Like many of you, I am worried about the safety issues around the use of e-scooters and e-bikes in our community, and across the province. Of significant concern is the number of young people who are using these vehicles in unsafe conditions putting themselves and others at increasing risk of injury. Local hospitals have reported an increase in injuries – particularly with our youth — related to the use of these vehicles.
I recognize that e-scooters are becoming more common across Ontario as a fun and convenient way to get around, but we also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and those riding e-scooters.
At the AMO Conference I met with Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, about the growing safety concerns surrounding e-scooters and e-bikes. We had a very productive discussion, and the Minister recognizes that action is needed. He assured me the Province is working toward a policy that allows for their safe use while protecting pedestrians, riders and indicated that new regulations would be released soon and will include enforcement measures. Which is great news.
Until these new regulations come into effect, I thought it would be helpful to share some information that parents should be aware.
- E-scooters are not permitted on Aurora’s public roads, bike lanes, sidewalks (Enforced by YRP) and our parks and trails (This is enforced by Town Bylaw.). They may only be used on private property with the property owner’s permission. No exceptions.
- E-bikes that meet Ontario’s definition of a power-assisted bicycle may be used on public roads and bike lanes – but not on Aurora’s sidewalks or trails. Enforcement is carried out by York Regional Police.
Overall, our sidewalks and trails are shared spaces for families, children, seniors, runners, walkers, and cyclists — not motorized vehicles.
Our shared spaces must remain safe for everyone. Ensuring the safety of everyone in our community remains the top priority and I will continue working with the Province and York Regional Police to help deliver clear, consistent rules that keep people safe.
Let’s respect the rules, protect one another, and keep Aurora’s sidewalks and trails safe for everyone.
7 Responses
There are alot of kids riding as a group, up and down AURORA streets, and sidewalks recklessly and at times, when its dark, late night.
Seen them along Bayview and also Conover. on E-bikes and E-Scooters
What kind of enforcement do we need before someone is seriously injured?
Bylaws are made but never enforced.
Im so glad you brought this forward as I have also noticed this group of youths riding together and often recklessly. It’s very concerning and only a matter of time until someone is hurt.
The most important information you should have shared to all the parents of Aurora is that these e-bikes and e-scooters are illegal to operate by anyone under the age of 16. That means if your child is still in elementary school, they can’t use it. Period.
You and the YRP should be going to the elementary schools at the beginning of the school year to speak to all the students about this. Put up billboard signs next to the schools and in parks and neighborhoods. Public awareness. Parents need to be aware that they are allowing their kids to break the law. And to be aware of what the fines could be. That’s the only deterrent. When it costs them $.
Hickson park (Conover & Borealis ave) has tons of kids ripping around, doing wheelies, racing and likely most are under 16 years old.
But it’s enforcement that’s the issue here. YRP hardly ever around. Hope it changes.
It was difficult to find the specific rules about e-scooters for the general public: Rules should provide more clarity about their use. The Ontario e-scooter pilot program: guidelines for municipalities is available on the MTO Website and provides guidance to the municipalities in general. see link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-e-scooter-pilot-program-guidelines-municipalities#section-0.
Recently and after many experiences witnessing improper and unsafe practices with the two wheel standing e-scooters and the sitting type on the streets of Aurora, I feel there should be an education program which everyone should be aware, both adults and young people, before someone gets seriously injured or killed. I have too often seen young people on e-scooters weaving among the lanes of the quieter streets, speeding on the sidewalks, not wearing helmets , dark coloured clothing disguising visibility, I have witnessed a group of young people with friends riding along on Yonge Street Aurora in unpredictable movements. We are all just beginning to get used to seeing these vehicles on the roads more frequently. If the time has come to accept e-scooters, then we all need to understand the expectations. Everyone must know the rules inside out and respect them.
Start education right from the purchase of an e-scooter, supported by education programs run by the town and the York Region Police.
I want to add one more comment… It’s confusing to find the differences between all the different types of vehicles: E-bikes come with varying power, weight, maximum speeds, and the rules around e-bikes with peddle assist, e-bikes with throttles for power could be confused with e-scooters. A single place where one can find all the information on the differences between all these types of vehicles would provide better clarity and education for all.
This must be a joke! “E-scooters are not permitted on Aurora’s public roads, bike lanes, sidewalks (Enforced by YRP) and our parks and trails (This is enforced by Town Bylaw.). They may only be used on private property with the property owner’s permission. No exceptions.” There are hundreds daily and I have yet to see 1 yes 1 single scooter pulled over by either YRP or Town Bylaw! Mr Mayor, this is a joke.
Latest from YRP .. YRP social media campaign launched September 5.
Their back-to-school campaign begins on Tuesday, September 8, and the Chief of Police will be hosting a media event in Markham, where he will speak about these devices.
You will see officers conducting targeted enforcement related to mobility devices. YRP is encouraging everyone to know and share that that they are taking the issue seriously, with an emphasis on education before enforcement, except where we encounter particularly dangerous behaviour. They are also purposefully engaging parents through their education and enforcement efforts.
https://www.yrp.ca/stay-safe/property-safety/road-safety/e-scooters-and-e-bikes