The City of Pickering yesterday announced it is seeking input from the community to help shape its draft Electric Kick Scooter By-law, which will regulate the use of e-scooters on city roads.
Staff will report findings from the community survey and any recommendations at the February 27 council meeting.
On January 1, 2020, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) introduced a five-year pilot program to permit Electric Kick Scooters (e-scooters) on Ontario’s roads. As such, municipalities have the ability to regulate use of e-scooters on roads, paths, and other property under their jurisdiction, but must pass a by-law to do so. Without one, e-scooters are not permitted to operate.
On April 27, 2022, the Region of Durham passed By-law 23-2022 permitting the use of e-scooters on regional roads. As a result, e-scooters are now permitted on regional roads in Pickering, but not on city roads. The City of Pickering is introducing an Electric Kick Scooter By-law to ensure there is a consistent approach to e-Scooter use across all of Pickering.
City of Pickering Draft E-Scooter By-law Highlights
- E-scooters are permitted on city streets but not on sidewalks or in parks/ on trails.
- E-scooters are limited to roads with a speed limit of 60km or lower, unless in a bicycle lane.
- Operators must be 16 years of age or older.
- Operators under 18 year of age must wear a helmet.
- No cargo can be carried on an e-scooter.
- E-scooters must have a bell or horn and be equipped with a white or amber lamp in front and red light on the rear.
- Enforcement – The provisions of this by-law may be enforced by a police officer pursuant to subsection 42(1)(h) of the Police Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.15.
What is an Electric Scooter?
An electric kick-scooter (e-scooter) is a vehicle that has:
- Two wheels (one at the front and one at the back)
- A platform to stand on
- A handlebar for steering
- An electric motor that does not exceed 500 watts
- A maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface
Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/e-scooters to view the draft By-law and complete the survey.