Stephen Birman discusses Ontario e-bike and e-scooter regulations on CBC Radio

Partner Stephen Birman was featured on CBC Radio’s Windsor Morning, speaking with host Amy Dodge about the regulatory gaps surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters in Ontario.

As the use of these vehicles continues to grow across the province, questions about liability and insurance coverage remain unresolved. Birman highlighted the issue during the interview, saying, “We’re living in a world right now, where there’s just this great uncertainty when it comes to liability for e-scooter and e-bike accidents.”

Insurance and liability concerns in Ontario

Many riders may not fully understand whether they are protected in the event of an accident.

“I would encourage anyone who is regularly operating an e-scooter or an e-bike to contact their insurance company […] to find out if they are protected if they are involved in an accident,” Birman said. “It’s very unclear.”

The lack of clarity reflects broader concerns about insurance coverage in Ontario, particularly as micromobility becomes more common in both urban and suburban communities.

Call for standardized regulations

Birman also pointed to the need for a more consistent legal framework across the province.

“This all needs to be standardized and regulated in a uniform way, because it’s just too uncertain and complicated right now, and that only comes to the surface for people when they’re injured,” he said.

Currently, e-scooter laws and e-bike regulations in Ontario vary by municipality, creating confusion for riders, motorists and insurers.

Looking ahead: protections for riders

Stephen Birman added that he would “like to see some sort of insurance program that protects e-bike and e-scooter riders.”

Listen to the full CBC radio segment.