St. Thomas residents may soon see e-scooters being driven on City streets. The Provincial Government has announced that e-scooters will soon be legal to ride on public roadways in Ontario.
Beginning in January, the province is launching a five-year pilot project that will allow anyone over the age of 16 to use the two-wheeled vehicles on roads. The motorized scooters are currently illegal to operate in Ontario other than on private property.
Despite the provincial legalization, it will be up to local municipalities to decide on any restrictions including where the scooters can be driven.
This new legalization is part of the government’s plan to help businesses expand and allow consumers and commuters more choices as well as giving people a new, clean and green way to get from point A to point B. Many rules and regulations are in place for this new pilot including the need for the e-scooters to be equipped with a horn or bell and a front and rear light. Operators under the age of 18 will have to wear a helmet while riding and the scooters many not exceed the maximum speed of 24 km/h.
A complete list of rules and regulations can be found here.
