The Town of Ajax has announced the scheduled start of the Shared E-scooter & E-bike Pilot Program relaunch for April 15.
The pilot program – run last year in Ajax and Oshawa – is to test the viability of permitting privately owned and shared e-scooters and e-bikes in Ajax. It has also been relaunched in Oshawa.
The Ajax pilot program consists of two parts:
1. Electric KickScooter and Pedal Assist E-bike By-law: A Town of Ajax By-law that allows people who already own electric kick scooters and pedal assist e-bikes to use them on multi-use paths, paved off-road trails with a minimum width of 2 metres, cycle tracks, designated bicycle lanes, and town roads with a legal speed limit less than or equal to 60 kilometres per hour. Only electric kick scooters and pedal assist e-bikes that fall within the definitions in the by-law are permitted. For definitions, go to ajax.ca/emobility.(External link)
Shared scooters and e-bikes can only operate in Ajax on these facilities if they have an agreement with the Town of Ajax.
2. Shared E-Scooter & E-Bike Pilot Program: A partnership with a vendor to provide shared e-scooters and e-bikes. Shared e-scooters and e-bikes are vehicles that people can borrow for a fee
Program objectives are to:
- Increase access to essential services, programs, and opportunities within Ajax and obtain insight on the implications of a shared e-scooter and e-bike program to an equitable and inclusive transportation system.
- Reduce the number of trips done by vehicle within Ajax by providing alternative modes of transportation to residents and people who provide or use services in Ajax.
- Assess the risks (frequency, severity) of shared e-scooters and e-bikes on Ajax trails and test risk mitigation measures.
- Collaborate with people with disabilities to build a culture of respect for people with disabilities and reduce the risk of conflict between pedestrians with disabilities and people using e-scooters and e-bikes.