The ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of e-bikes and e-scooters has intensified in Ontario, particularly in large urban areas like Toronto. With the increasing popularity of these modes of transportation, municipalities are grappling with the best approach to manage their use on sidewalks, in bike lanes, and on roadways. This discussion was prominent in Mississauga, where Councillor Dipika Damerla initiated a motion aimed at urging the Ford government to treat e-scooters and e-bikes similarly to other motorized vehicles by considering licensing and registration requirements.
Damerla expressed her concerns about the current situation, describing it as "the wild west" when it comes to bikes and scooters. While she supports the concept of e-mobility, she highlighted the necessity for a regulatory framework to ensure safety. Despite the backing of only one other councillor for her motion, Damerla believes it has opened essential conversations about e-vehicle regulations. Councillor Stephen Dasko acknowledged the need for further provincial regulations but emphasized that the city must clarify its specific requests before engaging with the province. "If her ask is going to the province and asking them to let us regulate e-bikes and scooters, we need to know what we're asking for, because if they say yes, and then ask us what we want that licensing to look like, we don't have the background work done to answer those questions," he stated.
Councillor Alvin Tedjo expressed reservations about creating barriers for e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly given that some models are capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 or 60 km/h. He indicated a willingness to support greater intervention from other government levels that could establish necessary regulations. Tedjo argued that both the federal and provincial governments need to define these vehicles as motor vehicles, akin to motorcycles, which would allow for improved safety measures.
Disability rights advocate David Lepofsky voiced his support for increased provincial involvement in regulating e-bikes and e-scooters. He conveyed serious concerns regarding the safety of pedestrians, particularly those who are visually impaired. "They come at you out of nowhere, sighted people may not see them coming, blind people and sighted people can’t hear them coming because they are a silent menace, they race at all sorts of speeds, they’re ridden on the sidewalks, even when it’s prohibited, and law enforcement is asleep," Lepofsky remarked.
Throughout their discussions, councillors made it clear that they do not advocate for an outright ban on e-bikes and e-scooters, recognizing their appeal among young people. Instead, there was a consensus on the need for a more structured approach to regulation that prioritizes safety while allowing for the continued use of these increasingly popular forms of transportation.
