Micromobility News: Advocates Protest Toronto E-scooter Ban
Electric scooter proponents pushed back against the Toronto Council’s decision to ban the use of e-scooters in public spaces across the city.
On May 23, Toronto councilors again voted to ban electric scooters on public streets. Despite their illegality, e-scooters were widely used in the city last year.
Advocates of the popular last-mile transportation solution are adamant that the council’s decision will not curb the increasing number of electric scooters on Toronto streets, potentially leading to a rise in illegal use.
And unless the city reverses its approach, the usage of e-scooters will only keep increasing. On Thursday, another council voted against the car law, preferring to ask a higher level of government for further planning and regulation, despite some councilors’ frustration and the local law’s lack of enforcement.
“Commuting without my e-scooter is unimaginable,” emphasized Caryma Sa’d, a dedicated e-scooter rider who finds them a fun and efficient way to navigate Toronto traffic. “Many people depend on these scooters. If the city strictly enforces the ban, they will realize penalizing everyone is not feasible.”
The police told the council at Thursday’s meeting that they issued only 89 tickets to people riding electric scooters or e-bikes on the sidewalk last year. The city told CBC Toronto in an email Friday that fines related to driving a car or vehicle without a license on roads, bike paths, and other public ways range from $60 to $90.
The council relented that its ability to enforce the e-scooter ban is limited, emphasizing that awareness campaigns are currently the best choice to curtail electric two-wheelers (E2Ws). But Sa’d says keeping e-scooters illegal doesn’t reflect what’s happening on Toronto’s streets. “People riding e-scooters is an undeniable reality. Thus, the council should focus on creating regulations to ensure rider safety instead of prohibiting the use of the beloved commuting option,” he reiterated.
Toronto Lags Behind Other US Cities
Meanwhile, many American cities integrate electric scooters into their transportation and tourism infrastructures. Some even subsidize manufacturers to help e-scooters match the specs of traditional gasoline-powered two-wheelers.
In January, Cyprus-based startup Flash Motors introduced the Infinity X premium hyperscooter at the Las Vegas CES 2024. Infinity X can reach 75 mph and cover 70 miles on a single 6-hour charge.
