Why Aren’t They Being Enforced?
The lack of enforcement isn’t by accident. It comes down to resources and priorities. By-law officers do not have the authority to force someone to stop and provide identification; that is only a privilege provided to police. Enforcing the e-scooter ban would require pulling police officers away from more pressing community safety work. And frankly, that’s not something that makes sense — especially when so many people are using these devices out of necessity.
Many e-scooter riders on our roads are low-income residents, people of colour and frontline workers who rely on these affordable transportation options to support the ever growing gig economy. These are often people who are already underserved by our transit system.
What Happened at City Council?
At the June 2024 City Council meeting, a failed motion was introduced to explore ways of regulating e-scooters by requiring companies to carry insurance and take greater responsibility. While the intent was good, the proposal raised concerns about pushing liability onto individual riders — many of whom can’t afford added costs or legal complexities.
I did not support that approach. My view is clear: we can’t regulate by penalizing people who are already struggling. The motion, in the end, didn’t pass, and for good reason. It would have created more barriers without solving the core problem.
What’s the Path Forward?
Here’s where I stand — and where I believe we need to go:
- We need a clear and fair regulatory framework that recognizes micro-mobility is here to stay;
- We must prioritize safety, for riders, pedestrians, and all road users; and
- Our policies must be grounded in equity, not enforcement that disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities.
Until the City puts real regulations in place, we won’t be able to properly manage or integrate e-scooters into our transportation network. That’s why I’ll continue pushing for a smart, balanced approach — one that gives people reliable options without compromising safety or fairness.
As always, I value your input. If you have thoughts, concerns, or ideas about micro-mobility and e-scooters in our ward, please reach out to my office. Your feedback helps shape the work we do at City Hall.
