Report advocates for precise regulations on electric bikes and electric scooters in CAA
In the bustling city of Ottawa, the rise of electric scooters and bikes has brought about a wave of excitement. However, concerns regarding safety and the appropriate usage of these vehicles on shared pathways have also surfaced, particularly among city residents and officials.
Joan Grant, a former public health nurse and avid cyclist, has voiced her concerns about the safety of multi-use pathways due to the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. She calls for a reevaluation of pathway usage and the enforcement of rules to ensure the safety of all users.
Leo Lalonde, an e-cyclist, shares similar sentiments, expressing his concern about the speed on pathways. He believes that e-scooters should not exceed 20 km/h, the maximum permitted speed on shared pathways in Ottawa.
The City of Ottawa has established clear regulations for the operation of e-scooters and e-bikes on shared pathways. E-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks or NCC pathways but are allowed on roads with speed limits up to 50 km/h, bike lanes, cycle lanes, and multi-use pathways, provided they are within designated pilot programs. Private (personal) e-scooters outside the City's shared e-scooter pilot program must follow the same rules as shared e-scooters.
Operators must be at least 16 years old, and only single riders are allowed on each device. Riding while impaired is illegal, and riding hours for provider e-scooters are generally limited between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years old, although their use is strongly recommended for adults as well. E-scooters must be parked responsibly, upright, and only in designated parking zones to prevent blocking sidewalks or pathways.
When it comes to e-bikes, a bicycle helmet is required at a minimum. Any modification to an e-bike in Ottawa, such as removing the pedals or adapting the power source, classifies it as a motorcycle, which requires an M-class license, insurance, and registration.
However, concerns remain about the lack of control over privately owned e-scooters. Coun. Tim Tierney, chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, believes the province should address this issue.
A new report by CAA and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation finds that the rules around e-bikes and e-scooters can often be unclear, further emphasizing the need for increased education and enforcement. Julie Beun of CAA encourages everyone to familiarise themselves with the rules regarding e-bikes and e-scooters, such as where they can be driven and what traffic rules to follow.
As the popularity of electric scooters and bikes continues to grow in Ottawa, it is crucial that both users and authorities work together to ensure the safety of all pathway users and maintain clear operational boundaries on multi-use paths.
In the ongoing discussion about electric scooters and bikes in Ottawa, there's a growing concern in the finance industry about the lack of control over privately owned e-scooters, as addressed by Coun. Tim Tierney. Meanwhile, the health sector, such as Joan Grant and Leo Lalonde, emphasizes the need for stricter enforcement of rules, particularly regarding speed limits on shared pathways to ensure safety for all users.
