Spring brings return of e-scooter pilot program to Oshawa

With the spring weather, ride-sharing e-scooters and e-bikes will return to the City of Oshawa on April 1 (weather permitting) as part of the micro-mobility pilot project. Community members are reminded to be courteous and follow these safety rules when using an e-bike or e-scooter in Oshawa:

• Riders must be 16 or older to use an e-scooter
• Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years old and encouraged for all riders
• Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time
• The maximum speed limit is 20 km/hr
• For the safety of pedestrians, e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks
• E-scooters are not permitted on roads with speed limits of more than 50 km/h
• Exercise caution around pedestrians
• Riders must give warning to pedestrians before passing by using a bell or through verbal indication
• Riders must park devices in a secure and upright position.

All Highway Traffic Act rules of the road apply while riding e-scooters, with penalties resulting in fines up to $2,500. For more information on safe cycling, visit the Ministry of Transportation’s webpage.

The City of Oshawa is one of several municipalities across Ontario participating in the Province’s e-scooter pilot program to help determine if e-scooters will be allowed permanently in Ontario.

Through a competitive bid process, the City selected two vendors, Bird Canada and Neuron Mobility, to provide a shared micro-mobility trial program that runs until the end of December 2024 at no cost to the City of Oshawa or to Oshawa taxpayers. Council will determine next steps at that time.

How to report a concern

Sidewalk riding, parking and other concerns related to privately-owned e-bikes and e-scooters can be reported to Service Oshawa. Visit Oshawa.ca/emobility to learn more.

To report concerns related to ride sharing devices, community members are encouraged to contact ride sharing vendors directly (refer to contact details on the City’s website).

General Trail Use Reminders

• Keep dogs on a minimal leash (not exceeding two metres)
• Keep to the right, except when passing
• Help keep our parks clean by using the garbage cans where provided or taking your litter home
• Respect and protect nature by leaving flowers, plants and trees for others to enjoy and not feeding wildlife.

For more information on the Trail Users Code, visit Oshawa.ca/parks.

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