Electric Scooters

Have your say!

The City of Pickering is seeking input from the community to help shape its draft Electric Kick Scooter By-law (view on Page 4). The By-law will regulate use of e-scooters on City roads. View the proposed regulations and share your feedback by filling out our community survey below.

Staff will report findings and recommendations at the February 27, 2023 Meeting of Council.

Background

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. Staff have drafted the Electric Kick Scooter By-law to ensure there is a consistent approach to e-Scooter use across all of Pickering.

City of Pickering By-law Highlights

View BYL 04-22 to read the Electric Kick Scooter By-law Report to Executive Committee and draft By-law to regulate the operation and use of electric kick-scooters in the City of Pickering.

• 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

E-scooters come in different styles weights and speed capabilities.