The City of Pickering has launched a shared e-Scooter pilot program, joining Oshawa and Ajax, who are also running similar programs.
The initiative supports flexible mobility choices. E-scooters are designed for short-distance trips and first-/last-mile connections, with the pilot guided by practices from cities such as Ottawa and Vancouver, said a city statement.
Shared e-scooters are owned and operated by a private company and rented for a fee based on time or distance. They can be picked up and returned at designated spots in the community, with the company responsible for charging, maintenance, and redistribution. Pickering has partnered with Bird to deliver the pilot.
The program emphasizes safety and accessibility, including:
- Speed limits and a minimum rider age of 16.
- Helmet requirements for youth.
- Mandatory equipment such as lights and a bell or horn.
- Rules promoting courteous road-sharing among pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and e-scooter users.
- Equitable access across all neighbourhoods.
Quick facts about the program:
- Operates annually from April through October (weather permitting).
- Daily service from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, with scooters deactivated at 10:45 pm.
- Shared e-scooters cannot be ridden outside city boundaries and are limited to programmed speed caps.
- After-hours issues, mis-parked scooters, or safety concerns can be reported through the operator’s hotline, in-app tools, or the city’s customer care team.
To support the launch, Bird will deploy Safe Streets Ambassadors at select parking locations to provide rider education and share program details.
“Pickering’s Shared E-Scooter Pilot is an important step toward expanding mobility options for our residents,” said Mayor Ashe. “As a true pilot, we’re committed to listening – gathering feedback, reviewing ridership data, and evaluating every aspect of the program, including the promotion and adherence to safe and responsible use, before considering next steps.”
The pilot reflects Pickering’s vision of a sustainable and connected city by promoting active transportation, strengthening links to transit, and giving residents more ways to move around their community.
More information is available at pickering.ca/eScooter.