‘E’ for equity: Extending e-scooter use on London streets and pathways backed by committee despite safety concerns

City council has recommended a pilot project for e-scooters be extended, which could allow them in public areas until 2029. Daryl Newcombe reports.

Reckless e-scooter riders are a frequent source of complaints to city councillors, but the Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee (ICSC) still recommended extending a pilot program that permits them on municipal roads, bike lanes, and multi-use pathways until Nov 27, 2029.

“There are always going to be bad actors, unfortunately, with these sorts of things,” explained Coun. Hadleigh McAlister. “But I don’t want to strip away a way that people get around the city.”

Several councillors attending the meeting argued that the devices provide equity for Londoners who can’t afford other modes of travel.

“I fully support the staff recommendation [to extend the pilot program],” said Coun. Sam Trosow. “This is an equity question.”

“I do think it’s an equity situation as well,” added Coun. Anna Hopkins. “Creating more opportunities for people to move around our city,”

However, Coun. Paul Van Meerbergen argued against extending London’s participation in the provincial pilot program.

“It’s inherently unsafe. I think it borders on the irresponsible to continue with this,” Van Meerbergen told the committee.

A staff report summarized incidents involving e-scooters in London last year including eight collisions reported to London police, 193 injuries reported at local hospitals, and 34 hospital stays.

“People have near misses,” Van Meerbergen added. “They’re very quiet. It’s almost like the Wild West out there in terms of people not knowing where they’re supposed to be riding these things.”

Under the current pilot program, electric kick scooters are permitted on London roads with a speed limit below 50km/h, in bike lanes, and on multi-use pathways.

Riders must be at least 16 years old, and those under 18 must wear a helmet.

The pilot program also includes a 24 km/h speed limit for e-scooters.

Last November, council deferred a decision about the future of e-scooters to collect public feedback.

The results from 650 feedback forms were split, with 22 per cent of respondents having a negative view of e-scooters, 29 per cent having a positive view, and almost half feeling “neutral.”

In their report, city staff recommended extending the pilot project, but with an education campaign, proactive enforcement, and a new $100 fine for the parents of underage riders.

The committee supported the staff recommendations 2-1 (Van Meerbergen opposed).

“I know there are some issues that we are still working to address, but for me, it was an accessibility issue, an equity issue in terms of not removing [e-scooters] as a way for people to get around the city,” explained McAlister after the meeting.

Council will make a final decision about either extending the pilot project, or banning e-scooters, on May 12.