Woodstock City Council grapples with E-scooter regulation

Lee Griffi, Editor

Woodstock’s e-scooter climate won’t be changing at any time in the near future, despite the mode of transportation being illegal. Any decision on whether to implement a by-law in the city will fall on the next council following the Oct. 26 municipal election.

After a presentation and extensive discussion, council directed city staff to work with the Woodstock Police Service on public education about the devices.

Police chief Nick Novacich explained e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices present both opportunities and challenges for a municipality.

“While they may offer residents another transportation option, they also raise legitimate concerns involving rider safety, underage use, sidewalk accessibility, insurance, modified devices, battery fires, and enforcement.”

He added the challenges are made more difficult as the products can be purchased legally even when they are not allowed to be legally operated on public property.

“This has created considerable confusion for riders, parents, retailers and for us in the enforcement world.”

The force’s Media Relations and Community Service Officer, Pritpal Thind gave members of council a detailed presentation which included details on a provincial pilot was scheduled to end in November of 2024, but the province extended it by five years to November 27, 2029. That means any Woodstock by-law would be temporary and tied to the pilot, unless the province makes e-scooters permanent. For example, the city of London’s by-law will automatically repeal when the provincial regulation is revoked.

E-scooters are legal only where a council opts in which means a by-law would need to be passed, the Ministry of Transportation would have to be notified and annual reports on local use filed. After the pilot, the province will use municipal data to decide whether e-scooters become permanent.

Thind added there are basic rules which would need to be followed if the city eventually allows use of the devices.

“The top speed must be below 24 km/h on level ground, the motor…should have a maximum power of 500 watts, 45 kilograms maximum weight, two wheels with a 17-inch maximum size, brakes and a bell or horn. It must have a white front light, red rear light, side reflectors and no seat, pedals, motor modifications, or basket.”

He added riders must be at least 16 years old, stand only and anyone under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet. No passengers or cargo are allowed, and bikes lanes must be used where available. They also are not permitted on 400-series highways, and any injury or damage collisions must be reported to police.

Thind said non-compliant e-scooters are sold legally meaning enforcement lands on the person operating it and added they are legal in other cities including Kitchener-Waterloo.

“It’s confusing for (Woodstock) residents and visitors as well.”

He added minor collisions go unreported meaning “big picture” data simply isn’t available at this time and prosecuting drivers who do break a law or regulation is virtually impossible. When someone is found guilty of breaking a Highway Traffic Act rule, such as sitting down on an e-scooter, a fine can be laid.

“There is no set fine. The range is $225 to $2500 for contravening a pilot project regulation. Even if the person who is found contravening is willing to…plead guilty and pay the fine, they can not do that. They have to go to a provincial offenses court appearance and let Justice of Peace decide what penalty they get.”

Coun. Liz Wismer-Van Meer said she sees many benefits to allowing e-scooters, particularly since many families can’t afford a vehicle let alone insurance for their children, and the mode of transportation presents a more viable option.

“For as many people making bad decisions with them, there are people making good decisions with them. It’s the same as people driving cars. I see people drive cars as often erratically as I do young people driving these. The e-dirt bikes, those scare me. Those a whole different level for me.”

Coun. Kate Leatherbarrow asked what police in Woodstock are doing when young riders are seen on e-scooters.

“Is there any point of contact with those kids to say, by the by, they aren’t allowed, or any type of dialogue?”

Thind said police do occasionally get complaints but the focus is on education rather than enforcement. He added there are no rules on the books for officers to track down offenders.

“When they see a big police cruiser arrive in the area and they take off, I have no legislative authority to actually go after them. They have not committed a criminal offence and there would be a risk to public safety.”

Leatherbarrow then asked if police had a plan to educate the public going forward.

“We will have a targeted social media and media campaign to let people know council’s decision regarding it. Whether there’s limitations or and outright prohibition. However council wishes to proceed we will have an education campaign accordingly.

Ultimately, councillors passed a motion to receive the police presentation as information and working with the force to educate the citizens of Woodstock on their proper use.

Acchione had a message for residents at the end of the e-scooter discussion.

“Currently, they are still banned and please stay tuned for more information by Woodstock Police and I am guessing the City of Woodstock will share some information as well.”