Police want to remind everyone that e-scooters are not allowed in Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth South.
Const. Darren Fischer, a community resource and media relations officer with Stratford Police Service, mentioned that officers have seen an increase in scooters around town, especially kids riding them very fast.
He said the police service felt it was necessary to send out this reminder due to worries about injuries.
“Our hospitals are seeing more injuries as a result of people using e-scooters and travelling at high rates of speed and not wearing the proper equipment,” Fischer said.
The rules specifically target electric kick-scooters, which have two wheels, a standing platform, and handlebars for steering the front wheel. According to provincial regulations, the electric motor must not exceed 500 watts, and the scooter shouldn’t go faster than 24 km/h.
These regulations don’t apply to pedal-assist e-bikes or mobility scooters meant for accessibility.
No local bylaws
In 2019, Ontario launched a pilot project regulation that bans electric kick-scooters on highways, sidewalks, trails, paths, and walkways in public parks unless local municipalities create a bylaw permitting their use.
Fischer pointed out that none of the three municipalities under Stratford police jurisdiction has passed such a bylaw.
“Right now, because there is no municipal bylaw in place, e-scooters are prohibited, unfortunately,” he said.
This means residents should avoid using these devices in Stratford, St. Marys or Perth South until new bylaws are set up.
When officers see someone riding an e-scooter initially they will focus on education first instead of enforcement,” Fischer stated.
“We’re going to try to work with our community and educate individuals as to what you’re really not allowed to be using these devices right now,” he said.
However, repeated offenses may lead to action under the Highway Traffic Act and provincial regulations.
If someone gets charged they could face fines ranging from $250 up to $2,500,” Fischer explained. There isn’t a fixed fine; anyone charged would receive a notice for court where a Justice of the Peace would decide on penalties.”
“We need to continue that education work with our community work with our schools especially regarding young kids and families making people aware of what the rules are why they’re there” Fischer stated.
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