The City of Kingston and its police department are reminding residents that Kingston has not chosen to participate in Ontario’s e-scooter pilot project, making e-scooters prohibited on city roads, sidewalks, trails, and public areas.
Under the provincial pilot program that began in 2020 and lasts nearly a decade, municipalities that opt in can permit individuals aged 16 and above to use two-wheel electric scooters that can reach speeds of up to 24 km/h on flat surfaces. Despite safety concerns, cities like Ottawa and Toronto have opted into the program, while Kingston has not done so.
In a recent news release, the city mentioned that they are currently evaluating regulations on “micromobility” to present to the council for approval. Micromobility options encompass e-scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades. In addition to e-scooters, e-cargo bikes weighing over 55 kilograms, electric skateboards, hoverboards, and small car-like electric low-speed vehicles are also prohibited in Kingston.
Those found riding e-scooters unlawfully may face penalties, fines, and confiscation, Kingston authorities warned. The city reported that earlier this month, police apprehended an individual riding an electric scooter at 77 km/h. Scooters capable of such high speeds fall outside the e-scooter pilot project and may be classified as motor vehicles, subject to provincial regulations.