Does your scooter need to to be insured?

3 minutes

Scooters (or mopeds) are quite popular in Quebec among kids age 14 and over. They can help them easily get around and often represent the first driving experience for these kids before they can drive cars. However, scooters don’t come without some risk. Here’s everything you need to know!

What is a scooter?

It’s a passenger vehicle with the following features:

  • Two or three wheels
  • Runs at a maximum speed of 70 km/h
  • Fuel engine with a maximum cylinder capacity of 50 cm3 (50 cc) or electric engine
  • Automatic transmission (no need to shift gears!)

To belong to the scooter family, the vehicle must meet all four of these criteria.

First purchase for beginners

Looking to buy your first scooter? Consult the technical guide from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) for more information before committing to a purchase.

Which rules apply to scooters?

You can’t ride anywhere on these two-wheeled vehicles! Certain rules must be followed. You must:

Consult this section of the SAAQ to learn more about what the law  (This hyperlink will open in a new tab). says.

How to ride your scooter safely

The risks that apply to motorcycles also apply to scooters, i.e. reduced visibility for you and other drivers and less body protection. The risk is therefore higher than driving a car, which is a cause for concern with parents of teenagers. To reduce the risk of accidents:

  • • Follow the same security tips that apply to motorcyclists
  • • Follow the Highway Safety Code
  • • Sign the SAAQ’s Family Contract  (This hyperlink will open in a new tab).: The future driver and one of his or her parents can voluntarily sign this contract to establish their obligations.

How does the SAAQ protect you?

In Quebec, scooter drivers are covered in the event of injury in a traffic accident  (This hyperlink will open in a new tab).. The liability of the people involved in the accident has no bearing on the coverage that is provided. In other words, all Quebec drivers are covered for any injuries, regardless of whether they are liable or not, anywhere in the world!

Is scooter insurance mandatory?

Even though it is not required by law, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) strongly recommend you purchase additional insurance to cover your civil liability and scooter in the event of damage.

How do you get scooter insurance?

It’s easy: Simply add the coverage to your or your parents’ auto insurance policy. The cost varies based on:

  • The options that you selected
  • The scooter’s value
  • The rider’s profile

The cost of the coverage is calculated based on seasonal use, but is spread out over the full year. This allows you to protect your scooter even during winter, in the event of damage.

Example of damage that can occur during winter

Sarah stores her scooter for the winter in a garage. Suddenly, under the weight of snow, the building's roof collapses and causes damage to the vehicle. Is Sarah ever glad she’s covered!

What does scooter insurance cover?

Civil liability insurance is already included with the basic coverage. It covers you if you are held liable for an accident that causes bodily injury or property damage to a third party.

You can also add other types of insurance coverage, such as:

  • Collision or upset protection, which covers damage caused to your scooter in an accident for which you are at fault or when you are the victim of a hit-and-run
  • Comprehensive, excluding collision or upset, which provides compensation in the event of damage such as fire, theft, vandalism and glass breakage
  • Specified perils, a less costly coverage than those listed above, but does not include vandalism and glass breakage.

In short, ask your insurance company which coverages are available before purchasing a scooter. Know the rules that must be followed on the roads. Happy trails!