Frustrated about reckless behavior and underage riders on electric kick scooters, city council will consider giving its by-law more teeth if London extends participation in a provincial pilot program permitting the micromobility devices on public property. If they decide not to extend the pilot program, e-scooters will be immediately banned from municipal roadways and pathways in London. A staff report summarizes public feedback and recommends extending the local pilot program until Nov. 27, 2029, with a beefed-up bylaw, an education campaign, proactive enforcement, and penalties for parents of underage rule-breakers. It notes that prohibiting e-scooters has not prevented their growing use in cities including Toronto. In November, council delayed making a decision about the future of e-scooters until public feedback and collision data could be gathered. According to the new report, 650 public feedback forms determined 22 per cent of respondents have a negative view of e-scooters, 29 per cent have a positive view, and almost half feel “neutral.” “We heard clearly that there’s support for e-scooters, but there’s also some concerns. And that’s exactly what we wanted to get some feedback on,” explained Coun. Corrine Rahman. The most frequent comments involved underage riders, helmets, and riding on sidewalks. A strengthened bylaw would hold parents accountable for underage riders. Section 4.3 of the proposed bylaw reads, “A parent shall ensure that their child under 16 does not ride an Electric Kick Scooter on municipally-owned property.” The fine for parents would be set at $100, and the amount could be doubled for repeat violations. Rahman told CTV News, “We want to make sure that when a purchase [of an e-scooter] is made, that there’s an understanding that there’s a responsibility to ride these things safely and to make sure the rider is over the age of 16 and that helmets are in use.” To date, enforcement has been complaint-based, however, the report notes, “A coordinated education and enforcement campaign in partnership with LPS (London Police Service) will be implemented throughout the coming months. MLEOs (Municipal Law Enforcement Officers) will be deployed within the parks system and other key locations to engage directly with riders, provide education, and take enforcement action where appropriate.” Collisions and injuries involving e-scooters in London are also summarized from 2025: Rahman believes an important next step would be for the province to begin regulating e-scooters before the pilot program ends in late 2029, “Things like licensing, ensuring that there’s a small license plate on the back of any scooter so there’s some attachment to that person, and insurance.” The Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee will consider the report about e-scooters at its meeting on May 6. Currently, London requires that e-scooter riders:
