E-scooters in the Municipality of Kincardine

What you Need to Know About E-scooters

An e-scooter is a two-wheeled, stand-up scooter equipped with handlebars, a floorboard for the rider to stand on, a rechargeable battery, and is powered by an electric motor.

E-scooters are Currently Prohibited in the Municipality of Kincardine

E-scooters are unregulated by the Municipality and not permitted on public rights-of-way under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) – this includes roads, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, multi-use trails and parks.

E-scooter violations would be enforced under the HTA, by Ontario Provincial Police.

Municipal By-law Enforcement does not currently enforce violations related to e-scooters. Municipal By-law Enforcement officers cannot stop e-scooter riders to issue tickets. 

According to the HTA, Section 216 (1) and 218 (1), a police officer has the authority to require a driver of a vehicle to stop and provide identification. This authority does not include municipal by-law enforcement officers. 

Where possible, Municipal Enforcement officers will educate riders on the rules related to e-scooters.

Regulations developed as part of the Ontario E-Scooter Pilot Program allow municipalities who opt into the program to set local by-laws that would allow e-scooter usage. Visit Electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) | ontario.ca to learn more. 

The Municipality of Kincardine has not opted in to participate in the provincial e-scooter pilot project or passed any by-laws to regulate its use. As a result, e-scooters are not allowed in Municipality of Kincardine. This prohibition is by default and in line with the HTA.

The Municipality’s Traffic & Parking By-law does not contain specific references to e-scooters within its definitions or permitted uses. However, it does not permit motor vehicles on any sidewalk, boulevard, or on any municipal park, trail, beach, sports or playing field operated by the Municipality.

As a result, under current Municipal by-laws and the HTA, e-scooters are not permitted on roads, sidewalks, multiuse trails, or parks within the Municipality of Kincardine.

Safety Information for E-Scooter Use

The Municipality of Kincardine has not opted into Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program. As a result, e-scooters are not currently permitted on municipal roads, sidewalks, trails, or other municipal property within the Municipality of Kincardine.

The safety resources below are being shared for educational purposes only and may apply to e-scooter use on private property or in Ontario municipalities participating in the provincial pilot program. Anyone operating an e-scooter should understand the applicable laws, wear appropriate safety equipment, and operate responsibly.

 Provincial E-Scooter Safety Poster

Next Steps for E-scooters in the Municipality

An information report will be presented to Council in June outlining the legislative framework and key considerations, including safety, accessibility, and infrastructure impacts. No decisions have been made at this time.

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