New provincial rules governing the use of motorized mobility aids (MMAs)

The Gouvernement du Québec announced the signing of a ministerial order to regulate the use of motorized mobility aids (MMAs), such as electric wheelchairs, scooters and four-wheelers.

These rules aim to ensure the safety of MA users. They will govern the movement of MMAs on streets, bicycle paths and sidewalks.

In summary :

• A person using an MMA will be able to use sidewalks, bicycle lanes and, under certain conditions, a roadway or its shoulder.
• Some changes have been made to the definition of an MMA, traffic rules and mandatory equipment.
• In the event of a violation, the penalties provided for in the Highway Safety Code, in the event of non-compliance with a rule, will apply.
• This order, which came into force August 9th, 2020, is the result of a pilot project headed by the Ministry of Transport which was carried out between June 2015 and June 2020.

More information (available in French only).