Rider Training Institute

What Rider Training Institute does

Rider Training Institute (RTI) is a Canadian not-for-profit association founded in 1998 that operates the largest motorcycle licensing and skills training organization in Ontario. The company delivers Ministry-approved licensing courses (M2, M2L, M2M, M, ML) alongside a portfolio of supplementary skills courses covering technical riding, maintenance, refresher training, and roadworthy skills, plus introductory discovery courses and private lessons. RTI runs its programs across more than 13 training centres in Ontario cities including Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, Bowmanville, Ottawa, Kanata, London, Hamilton, Guelph, Oakville, St. Catharines, Innisfil, Brampton, Cambridge, Markham, Newmarket, North York, Orangeville, Orillia, and Oshawa, providing students with RTI-owned motorcycles in multiple styles (sportbike, standard, cruiser).

RTI's business model is direct-to-consumer course registration through its website and phone lines, with prices ranging from CAD $145 to CAD $549+HST per course and six bundle packages offering combined licensing-plus-skills enrollment at discounted rates. Class sizes are deliberately constrained to 4-8 students per instructor to maintain instructional quality, and the company offers a free retest guarantee for licensing courses plus loyalty pricing for returning students. The organization maintains a 126-hour instructor certification standard and has cultivated partnerships with major OEMs (Harley-Davidson Canada, Honda, Yamaha), multiple insurance providers (Desjardins, Allstate, NFP, AIM, Riders Plus), and a network of motorcycle dealers and service shops to support graduates through the broader riding lifecycle.

Beyond commercial training delivery, RTI operates as a recognized advocate for motorcycle-friendly transportation policy in Canada, having drafted the comprehensive motorcycle policy motion adopted by Toronto City Council in 2018 that included lane filtering pilots, motorcycle parking zones, and inclusion in the City's Vision Zero plan. Administrative operations are headquartered in Mississauga with a secondary office in downtown Toronto, and the organization is funded entirely through course fees and partnership support with no disclosed equity investors or external capital.

Name

Rider Training Institute

Legal name

Rider Training Institute

Website

https://ridertraining.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Rider Training Institute is a not-for-profit motorcycle licensing and skills training organization operating 13+ centres across Ontario, serving individual riders with Ministry-approved M2/M licensing courses and supplementary skills programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Motorcycle Licensing and Rider Training Services

NAICS

Automobile Driving Schools (611692), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive (EDABALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Driver & Technician Training, Certification & Workforce Management (THAIANAJ), Transportation & Fleet Safety (DOT, Driver Safety) (EDABAEAM)

Keywords

• Motorcycle licensing courses
• Motorcycle rider training
• Advanced riding skills
• Motorcycle maintenance classes
• Motorcycle safety education

Headquarters

HQ city

Mississauga

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices25 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Course Registration Fees: RTI generates revenue through course registration fees. Students pay for various motorcycle licensing and skills courses including M2 Licensing Course, M Licensing Course, Intro to Riding, Technical, Maintenance, Refresher, and Roadworthy courses. Bundle packages are also offered at discounted rates. Payment is accepted via credit card, e-transfer, or cash.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Rider Training Institute (RTI) is a not-for-profit motorcycle licensing and skills training organization in Ontario that delivers Ministry-approved M2 and M licensing courses, including 50cc/LSM and 3-wheel vehicle variants, alongside skill development courses in technical riding, maintenance, refresher training, roadworthy riding, and introductory riding. Courses are taught by certified instructors across 13+ Ontario training centres with RTI-provided motorcycles and gear.

Product overview

Rider Training Institute (RTI) is a not-for-profit motorcycle licensing and skills development training organization offering a structured multi-level course system across Ontario. The core portfolio includes M2 and M licensing courses (available in standard, 100-249cc, 50cc/LSM, and 3-wheel vehicle variants) that guide riders from M1 permit to full motorcycle licence. These licensing programs are supplemented by skill development courses: Intro to Riding (entry-level discovery), Technical Skills (advanced manoeuvring), Maintenance (basic bike upkeep), Refresher Training (returning riders), and Roadworthy Skills (traffic management with guided touring). RTI also offers bundle packages combining licensing courses with skill courses for savings, plus private lessons and instructor training programs. The company advocates for motorcycle-friendly transportation policy and operates over 13 training centres across Ontario.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Riding Basics M2 Licensing Course

Quantifiable outcome

• Students who complete the M2 course may receive an insurance discount
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Harley-Davidson CanadacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHarley-Davidson Canada supports riders at every stage of their journey. They support RTI's mission to develop safe and confident motorcyclists through their learn-to-ride program.
• Docs LeathersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerToronto tradition since 1975, providing riding gear and apparel. 50 years of experience servicing the biker community and motorcycle schools with personal, pressure-free service.
• Freedom Harley-Davidson of OttawacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDedicated to supporting new and experienced riders for over 25 years. Offers welcoming environment, expert guidance, and community-first approach. Proud to support new RTI graduates.
• Desjardins Insurance (Danny Franchino)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance partner providing comprehensive coverage for cruisers, sport bikes, touring, and off-road machines. Offers liability, collision, and safety gear protection with competitive rates and personalized plans.
• Honda Motorcycles CanadacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHonda Canada Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, and Side-by-Sides in Canada. Conducts sales and marketing through independent authorized dealers across the country.
• Motor Sports WorldminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOttawa's number one choice for new and seasoned riders for 32 years. Sells and services Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Can Am Spyders and Rykers. Over 100 years of riding experience across staff.
• Maranello BMW MotorradminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier destination for new and pre-owned BMW motorcycles in Woodbridge, Ontario. Factory-trained technicians provide service, tuning, and winter storage program.
• Biker LabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFull-service motorcycle repair and maintenance shop in Mississauga. Licensed Ontario DriveON inspection centre. Services all types of motorcycles from routine tune-ups to advanced diagnostics.
• VOS MotorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPre-owned motorcycle dealer with transparent pricing, trusted service, and flexible financing solutions.
• Perth County MotominorGTM or Marketing PartnerMotorcycle lifestyle shop and community space in Stratford, Ontario. Specializes in high-quality riding gear, parts, and helmets from independent brands. Hosts bike nights, tech nights, and community events.
• AIM InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFull-service Canadian insurance brokerage offering great rates for all riders regardless of M class licence status. Works closely with local riding schools to make insurance simple.
• Desjardins Insurance (Gagan Sidhu)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMotorcycle insurance extending year-round coverage for peace of mind on every journey.
• Zephyr MotoworksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFull-service independent motorcycle shop in Guelph, Ontario. Passionate 310G RSE motorcycle mechanics providing personal, meticulous, detail-oriented service.
• Studio CycleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerToronto's top destination for Aprilia, Moto Guzzi & Husqvarna motorcycles. Offers safety gear, parts, and expert repair services. Established 2008, family-run business embedded in the Junction neighbourhood.
• Royal DistributingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeader in Canadian powersports industry for over 30 years. Provides quality brand name products for motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, bicycles, and watersports.
• Energy PowersportscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOntario's biggest Can-Am Onroad dealer for Spyders and Rykers. Winner of National, Regional, and District Dealer of the Year for 3 consecutive years. Offers sales, financing, service, and customization.
• Simply MotominorGTM or Marketing PartnerMotorsports boutique in Grimsby, ON operating out of a historic church. Stocks helmets, jackets, gloves, pants, and footwear for women and men. Caters to new riders.
• NFP InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNationwide insurance broker with dedicated motorcycle specialists. Compares rates from multiple insurance companies. Team of moto enthusiasts helps with licensing, training, and bike selection.
• Budds' BMW MotorradminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBMW motorcycle dealer in Oakville perfect for recent RTI graduates. Wide selection from beginner-friendly to high-performance bikes with personalized advice and top-tier gear access.
• Yamaha Motor CanadacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides customers coast-to-coast with products for greater enjoyment in work and leisure time since 1973.
• Riders Plus InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOver 20,000 motorcyclists across Ontario trust Riders Plus Insurance. Partners with select insurance companies for unmatched prices and service for 24 years.
• Allstate Insurance (Ken Lamb)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance agent in Guelph helping M1/M2 license holders with coverage. Offers bundling options for home and auto to save.
• Powersports T.O.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAuthorized Toronto dealer for Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Triumph. Family owned and operated with wide selection of safety gear. Committed to customer safety and comfort.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP): CMSP is the state-administered motorcycle training program in California offering licensing and skills courses to the public. It mirrors RTI's role as the dominant provincial rider training organization delivering M-class licensing pathways.
• Team Oregon: Team Oregon operates Oregon's motorcycle rider training program, including Basic and Intermediate Rider Courses. Like RTI, it is the principal state-level rider education provider offering Ministry/DMV-equivalent approved courses to the consumer public.
• Lee Parks Total Control Training: Lee Parks Total Control is an advanced motorcycle skills training curriculum and instructor network. RTI's Technical, Refresher, and Roadworthy courses cover the same advanced rider skill-building category beyond basic licensing.
• Honda Riding Academy: Honda's rider education centers deliver beginner motorcycle training through OEM-affiliated dealers. RTI partners with Honda Motorcycles Canada and competes in the same consumer-facing beginner licensing and rider development segment.
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF): The MSF is the primary US motorcycle rider education and licensing organization, responsible for curriculums like the Basic RiderCourse used by state programs. RTI is its closest functional equivalent for Ontario, delivering MTO-approved rider licensing and skills training at scale.
• Harley-Davidson Riding Academy: Harley-Davidson's learn-to-ride academy program delivers Motorcycle Safety Foundation-aligned licensing courses through OEM-affiliated sites. RTI has Harley-Davidson Canada as a core partnership and competes in the same consumer motorcycle training segment.
• Pacific Riding School: Pacific Riding School is a Canadian motorcycle training school operating in BC and Alberta. It targets the same licensing pathway market (M-class equivalents) as RTI, making it a direct geographic and product-line competitor within Canada's provincial training landscape.

Others

• American Motorcyclist Association (AMA): AMA is the largest US motorcyclist advocacy and membership organization, focused on rider rights, legislation, and events. RTI performs an analogous advocacy function at the Canadian municipal level (2018 Toronto policy adoption —), operating more as an industry/advocacy ecosystem partner than a training competitor.
• Young Drivers of Canada: Young Drivers of Canada is the largest Canadian driver education organization offering G-class licensing courses. It addresses the four-wheeled counterpart of RTI's motorcycle licensing business with a similar Ministry-approved, multi-location, consumer-facing training model.

Emerging players

• BRC (Bridgestone Riding Centre) / Honda Canada Training Sites: OEM-affiliated and dealer-run motorcycle training facilities (often Bridgestone or Honda branded) offer beginner courses as part of new bike purchase pathways. They overlap with RTI's M2 beginner segment but typically lack the full multi-product portfolio RTI has built across licensing and advanced skills.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/RiderTrainInst
• YouTubeyoutube.com/RTIToronto/%E2%80%8E
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/Rider-Training-Institute/152932191407584
• Instagraminstagram.com/ridertraininginstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rider-training-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rider Training Institute