Image by Kristof Topolewski from Pixabay
With kids having returned to school a few weeks ago, police officers are warning parents and families to be mindful and think twice before buying an e-scooter.
Jessica Brum, an acting sergeant with the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment, says officers have seen an increase in the number of young people using e-scooters.
Lots of young people are adopting e-scooters, electric bicycles and other similar, widely-available motorized vehicles as an affordable way to get around town.
However, according to Brum, unlike electric bicycles and other, similar alternatives, the wide availability of e-scooters has led to misconceptions about their legality.
Under Highway Traffic Act Ontario Regulation 389/19, e-scooters can’t be legally used on Ontario roads, sidewalks, trails or walkways unless the local municipality has launched a pilot program outlining where they can be used.
As of late August, both Petawawa and Deep River are considering bylaws to enter into the pilot program and begin allowing e-scooters on their roads, but the specifics are still being ironed out by their town councils.
Brum also says that there are rules riders and parents need to keep in mind even beyond municipal bylaws: riders need to be at least sixteen years old and any riders under the age of 18 need to wear helmets at all times.
However, electric bikes are allowed across Ontario without any need for municipal bylaws or adoption, as long as riders are at least sixteen years old, always wear a helmet regardless of age, and follow the rules of the road.
Brum encourages parents considering purchasing a vehicle like these for their kids to check before they buy, to see if it qualifies as an e-bike or e-scooter, and to contact the OPP with any questions they have.
She says residents should also be mindful that factors like the vehicle’s wattage and top speed can also be important to consider.
Brum also encourages riders to drive safely and follow the rules of the road for their own sake and the safety of everybody else using the roads.
(Steve Berard)
