The Town of Whitby – with pilot programs running either side in Oshawa to the east and Pickering and Ajax in the west – has announced a new by-law for e-scooter and e-bike use.
As use of micromobility devices has become more popular, there was a need to create a bylaw that ensures the safety of e-bike and e-scooter users, as well as other users of town roads, paths and trails, said a statement from carried in the mayor’s newsletter.
The Rules
- Under Whitby’s new bylaw, the minimum age to ride an e-bike or e-scooter is 16. Helmets are mandatory for all e-bike riders, and for all e-scooter riders under age 18.
- E-bikes and e-scooters can be ridden on Whitby’s roads, paths and trails – but not on sidewalks. Note that e-scooters are only allowed on roads with a posted speed limit of 50kmh or lower.
- The maximum speed is 20kmh on multi-use paths and trails. On roads, the maximum speed is 24kmh for e-scooters and 32kmh for e-bikes.
- There are some micromobility devices that are not permitted on Whitby’s transportation network, including electric hoverboards, electric skateboards, Segways, and electric unicycles.
The town pointed out that limited-speed motorcycles and motor-assisted bicycles, also known as mopeds, are defined as motor vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act and are not allowed on Whitby’s multi-use paths and paved trails.
The fine for violating the by-law is between $205 and $450. More information is available at Whitby.ca/Micromobility
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