Toronto Businesses Propose Replacing E-scooter Ban with a Rental Program
Businesses are urging Toronto to reconsider its electric scooter ban and adopt an e-scooter rental program instead.
Toronto currently has a law prohibiting the use of electric scooters in the city. Since 2021, Queen City has also refused to participate in a regional pilot program that tests e-scooters in urban areas.
Global Communications Director Russell Murphy of e-scooter rental company Lime reiterated his disappointment that the Toronto council refuses to embrace micromobility innovation. He said the total ban deprives commuters of a sustainable mobility alternative and the optimal last-mile transport solution.
Murphy emphasized that accommodating electric scooter shared mobility rental services would be an ideal compromise between advocates and detractors of the electric two-wheeler (E2W). He added that rental solutions will help the city set speed and other limits to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
The company, which operates in British Columbia, Alberta, and is currently expanding to Mississauga, Ontario, is not just asking councilors to keep an open mind about the value of its services. “We are eager for the community to continue studying this issue and discussing it, and we are always ready to engage with you as experts,” they expressed, emphasizing their commitment to community involvement.
The city’s decision to withdraw from the pilot was partly due to concerns raised by people with disabilities about the potential impact of rental cars. Asghar Mehrzada, operations manager at Toronto e-bike and e-scooter store Movin’ Mobility, acknowledges these concerns, saying he’s seen sales and interest in private e-scooters increase in recent years.
He added that the store informs customers they’re not allowed to use them in Toronto, but that doesn’t deter people from buying them. He says: “There is a lot of demand.” Mehrzada said people like to transport e-scooters quickly and don’t need parking lots to park them all over town. “I also didn’t see an arresting officer,” he said.
Lastly, critics denounced that while other cities are moving to integrate better electric scooters into their transportation infrastructure, Toronto is blocking the adoption of e-scooters at every turn. Many American cities have already assimilated high-end scooters, including hyperscooters like the Flash Motors Infinity X that can hit 75 mph and cover 70 miles on a single charge.
