Riding an e-scooter in Toronto? You may face fines of up to $25,000 or up to six months in prison

City council voted unanimously not to sign on to the province’s pilot program.

Thestar.com
April 18, 2023
Thea Gribilas

E-scooter users can face fines of up to $25,000 and up to six months in prison just for riding them in Toronto.

The province began a pilot project in Jan. 1, 2020 running until Jan. 1, 2025 which would allow for municipalities to determine where and how e-scooters are used.

In order for e-scooters to be allowed under the province’s pilot, the province requires that e-scooters that do not exceed 500 watts, have a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface, have a handlebar for steering, have a platform to stand on and have two wheels, among others.

Municipalities could decide, whether they wanted to participate in the project. They could then decide where e-scooters may operate, where they may park, whether permits or licenses are required, among others.

On May 1, 2021 Toronto city council voted unanimously to opt-out of the province’s e-scooter pilot. The decision means that, in Toronto, “e-scooters will remain prohibited on public streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, pathways, trails and other public spaces.”

“Toronto City Council has unanimously voted to reinforce the city’s commitment to safety and accessibility for people, especially seniors and those living with disabilities, in Toronto by voting not to opt-in to the provincial e-scooter pilot,” the city said at the time.

In a TikTok posted by Toronto Police’s traffic services, Constable Sean Shapiro said that any e-scooters that goes beyond 24 km/hour are considered motorcycles and must have the appropriate motorcycle license, registration and license plates. It also must have insurance.

Going over 24 km/hour also results in the scooter not being “covered under the provincial pilot that allows them in some municipalities.” said Shapiro in the video.

Municipalities like Hamilton and Durham have signed onto the pilot.