Over the last 10 years, low-speed electric vehicles (LSVs) have been offered in the North American marketplace.

Low-speed electric vehicles are vehicles that can travel at maximum speeds of 40 km/h, and have equipment requirements that are much less stringent than typical passenger vehicles.

Transport Canada has indicated that low-speed vehicles are intended to be operated in controlled areas, such as university campuses, military bases, parks and retirement communities, and advises against allowing low-speed vehicles to share the road with larger, heavier and faster motor vehicles. In addition, Transport Canada has indicated that low-speed vehicles do not meet the same safety standards as regular passenger vehicles, and considers the safety of low-speed vehicle users in the event of a collision to be a significant concern.

However, low-speed vehicles are now being used in the United States on some public roads with limitations in controlled environments, and Canadian jurisdictions have started to allow the use of low-speed vehicles. Canadian jurisdictions recognize the importance of these new market innovations as they expand mobility options and provide an environmentally friendly way to travel. However, road safety is also an important consideration.

These pages provide information on activities relating to LSVs in Canada.