Low-Speed Vehicles not permitted on Thunder Bay roads

August 22, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding members of the public that low-speed vehicles are not allowed on public roads in the city.


A low-speed vehicle is an electric, four-wheel vehicle that is smaller and lighter than a regular car and have a maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour. These vehicles may have many similar features to a conventional motor vehicle (seat belts, a steering wheel, pedals and speedometer), but they have fewer safety features and do not meet the same safety standards.


These may be marketed as mobility devices, but they are legislated as vehicles that are subject to Highway Traffic Act rules of the road. Electric enclosed mobility scooters that have a lower maximum speed are considered pedestrians under the Highway Traffic Act and are not to be operated on roadways as a vehicle, instead they are to use sidewalks, multi-use trails, or travel on the road shoulder against oncoming traffic.


In Ontario, low-speed vehicles are legislated through a 10-year pilot program that began in 2017 and requires municipalities to have implemented bylaws allowing their use on public roadways or sidewalks. As The City of Thunder Bay does not currently have such bylaws, these vehicles are not legal for use within Thunder Bay.


Violations can result in Highway Traffic Act charges, fines, and driving suspensions or prohibitions.

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FRAUD FRIDAY: Home repair and renovation scams

August 22, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of scams that target local residents. Police regularly receive reports of residents who have been victimized by fraudulent home repair or renovation scams. The schemes may be carried out in the form of a person going door-to-door — claiming they’ve noticed an issue that needs to be urgently addressed — or through online and social media advertisements offering repairs or renovations. The scammers will offer to complete a particular project for an agreed cost but ask for money in advance before doing any work or providing equipment and materials. Once they have received payment, little or no work is done and promised products are not provided. They may request more money, claiming it’s necessary to be able to carry out the work. If the work is ever completed, it is often poor quality and could pose a safety hazard or need to be redone. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams. If there is doubt about whether a repair or product is necessary, seek a second opinion from a trusted person or a certified professional. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

FRAUD FRIDAY: Online investment scams

August 15, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise public awareness of common types of scams that target local residents. Police regularly receive reports of local residents who have fallen victim to internet investment or cryptocurrency fraud. Fraudsters may offer promises of high rates of return on investment. They may advertise fraudulent investment platforms or cryptocurrency exchanges that appear to be legitimate. Instead, these might be schemes to steal money and access the target's personal financial information. It is highly unlikely that lost funds will ever be recovered. Funds can quickly be transferred through multiple platforms based in several different countries and are extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to do their due diligence before engaging in any online investment, including seeking credible financial advice and using reputable platforms. Residents are also encouraged to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime