The City of Kingston and its police department want residents to know that, unlike other cities in Ontario, it hasn’t joined Ontario’s e-scooter pilot project, so these scooters aren’t allowed on city roads, sidewalks, trails, or any public areas.
Under the province’s nearly decade-long pilot that started in 2020, municipalities that choose to participate can permit individuals aged 16 and older to ride two-wheeled electric scooters capable of reaching speeds up to 24 km/h on flat surfaces.
Cities like Ottawa have opted into the program despite worries about e-scooter safety, especially concerning younger riders – but Kingston has decided not to.
In a recent news release, the city mentioned that it’s currently examining “micromobility” regulations for council approval. Micromobility options include e-scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades.
Apart from e-scooters, electric cargo bikes over 55 kilograms, electric skateboards and hoverboards, along with low-speed electric vehicles resembling small cars are also prohibited in Kingston.
Those caught riding e-scooters unlawfully may face charges, fines, and their vehicles being seized, according to Kingston officials.
This month alone, police stopped someone who was speeding at 77 km/h on an electric scooter. Scooters able to reach such speeds fall outside the scope of the e-scooter pilot and could be classified as motor vehicles under provincial regulations.
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