E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular for urban mobility, but their presence on shared pathways is raising concerns. A recent report from the CAA and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation highlights confusion around the regulations governing these vehicles, with varying rules and bylaws across regions.
Julie Beun from CAA emphasized that people need to be familiar with the specific rules regarding where these vehicles can be used, the traffic laws they must follow, and safety requirements like helmet use.
Joan Grant, a former public health nurse and avid cyclist, warns that the speed of e-bikes and e-scooters on multi-use paths creates safety risks. She argues that e-bikes, in particular, are being used like racing vehicles, endangering pedestrians and other cyclists. Grant calls for a reevaluation of path designs and better enforcement of traffic rules to ensure safety.
In Ottawa, the rules are specific but sometimes unclear. E-bike riders must wear at least a bicycle helmet, and e-bikes cannot exceed 32 km/h. Any modification to the bike that increases its power or removes pedals turns it into a motorcycle, requiring a proper license and insurance.
E-scooters, however, present more challenges. While the City of Ottawa regulates rental scooters, there is little control over privately owned e-scooters, with some owners exceeding the speed limits set for rentals. Coun. Tim Tierney believes this is an issue that needs provincial intervention.
Ottawa’s e-scooter bylaw stipulates that riders must be at least 16 years old, the maximum speed is 20 km/h, and they must wear helmets if under 18. E-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks or certain NCC pathways. Personal e-scooters follow the same rules as shared rentals.
Some e-bike riders, like Leo Lalonde, agree that speed is a major issue, suggesting that anything over 20 km/h is unsafe for shared paths. Joan Grant is calling for stricter regulations to limit the presence of high-speed electric vehicles, including e-scooters and unicycles, on shared pathways to protect pedestrians and cyclists.