Pickering wants public’s help in drafting e-scooter by-law

Published January 4, 2023 at 3:51 pm

Pickering is looking for help from the public in drafting its Electric Kick Scooter by-law, which will regulate the use of e-scooters on City roads

The Ministry of Transportation introduced a five-year pilot program to permit Electric Kick Scooters (e-scooters) on Ontario’s roads on January 1, 2020, giving municipalities the ability to regulate their use 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.

Last April 27 the Region of Durham passed By-law 23-2022 permitting the use of e-scooters on Regional roads. The City of Pickering is introducing its own by-law to ensure there is a consistent approach to e-Scooter use.

The draft by-law:

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 or older.
Operators under 18 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 read 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 E-Scooter?

An electric kick-scooter (e-scooter) is a vehicle that has: