Electric kick-scooters, or “e-scooters,” may be increasingly common on streets and sidewalks in Perth County, but Stratford police are reminding residents that they are currently not permitted on public property in Stratford, St. Marys or Perth South. The Stratford Police Service said the ban stems from a provincial regulation introduced in 2019 as part of an Ontario pilot project examining the use of electric kick-scooters. Under the regulation, municipalities must pass their own bylaws to allow e-scooters on public roads, sidewalks, trails and pathways. So far, the City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys and Township of Perth South have not done so, meaning e-scooters are prohibited. Stratford police said they are bringing attention to the regulation after they noticed more people using the vehicles. Const. Darren Fischer said the concern is largely about safety, particularly as some privately owned e-scooters can travel at speeds well beyond the provincial limit. “We know that hospitals are seeing an increased amount of visits from people falling off of e-scooters,” Fischer said. “And when some of them are exceeding close to 50 km/h, those injuries are going to be excessive and serious.” The provincial definition of an electric kick-scooter includes a two-wheeled vehicle with a standing platform, handlebars and an electric motor of no more than 500 watts. The vehicles are designed to have a maximum speed of 24 km/h. Fischer said the current prohibition applies to public spaces, including roads, sidewalks, trails and pathways operated by the municipalities. Police said there is no specific set fine for using an e-scooter where it is prohibited, but penalties under the provincial legislation can range from $250 to $2,500. Residents divided over e-scooter rules The renewed focus on the regulation has sparked mixed reactions among Stratford residents. Sandra Bain said she supports restrictions, arguing e-scooters can pose a risk to both riders and pedestrians. “They can be very dangerous for the riders, for the people using them,” Bain said. “And if they’re not being responsible on sidewalks, then it can be dangerous for other people.” Randy Munnings also said the speed and lack of noise from e-scooters can make them particularly concerning for pedestrians. “They’re really dangerous,” Munnings said. “You’re trying to walk along there and they’re just so fast and you can’t really hear them coming up behind you.” Others believe e-scooters could be allowed if municipalities put the right rules in place. Stratford resident Tanner Virag said speed restrictions could help make them safer. “I think that the city should maybe allow them, but I don’t think they should go over 15 km/h,” Tanner said. For Gage Neal, the current rules have a more immediate impact. Neal purchased an electric scooter in 2022 as his primary way of getting around Stratford, including travelling to work and picking up groceries. “This is how I would do it,” Neal said. “And now I no longer have that ability.” Neal said he is now looking for another way to get around while hoping the city eventually changes its position. “This was my main form of transportation,” he said. “But I will have to see what the future holds for me at this point.” No municipal bylaws currently planned Officials with Stratford, St. Marys and Perth South confirmed there are currently no plans in place to introduce bylaws that would permit electric kick-scooters on public property. However, the issue could become part of the municipal election debate, with voters heading to the polls next month. For now, police are asking residents to refrain from using electric kick-scooters on public property in the three communities unless local bylaws are established.
