Micromobility in Whitby (e-scooters, e-bikes, and more)

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The use of micromobility modes of transportation, such as electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters), is emerging worldwide for personal transport, particularly for shorter trips.

Under Provincial regulations, e-bikes are permitted where conventional bicycles are permitted, except where they are prohibited by a municipal by-law. Currently, the Town has no by-law to govern the use of e-bikes within the Town-owned road network. Thus, the operation of e-bikes is guided by the Highway Traffic Act. Accordingly, e-bikes are regulated as vehicles, and must obey all traffic laws, signs and signals as a traditional bicycle and motor vehicle. Whitby’s Public Park and Park Buildings By-Law currently restricts e-bikes within park trails.

Under Ontario’s E-scooter Pilot Program, to allow e-scooters in their jurisdictions, local municipalities must opt-in to the pilot program and have a by-law specific to e-scooters in their jurisdictions. Currently, the Town has no by-law governing the use of e-scooters within its jurisdiction. It is noted that the province launched a five-year e-scooter pilot program on January 1, 2020, which will end on November 28, 2024. Through this program, the province aims to evaluate the suitability of e-scooters as a transportation option. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is proposing a change to the pilot program to extend until November 27, 2029.

The Town of Whitby is working on a new by-law to guide the use of micromobility devices in the community. Through a new by-law, the Town aims to define which types of micromobility are allowed to be used and where within the Town's transportation network, including roads, sidewalks, multi-use paths, and off-road trails.

The goal: to ensure the safe integration of micromobility devices into Whitby's transportation system, while prioritizing pedestrian and road user safety.

Have Your Say

Complete our online survey between now and May 31, 2024, to share your thoughts on the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices in Whitby.

Specifically, the Town is seeking feedback on:

  • community interest in micromobility
  • perceived risks and barriers related to the use of micromobility modes
  • which/where micromobility devices should be allowed within the Town’s transportation network

Project Background

Micromobility devices are emerging across the world as sustainable, convenient, and affordable modes of transportation. They use less space and energy, are convenient for short trips and complement public transit as a first-and-last-kilometre connection option. Across Canada, municipalities are exploring the use of micromobility devices and developing regulations to integrate them safely into the current transportation system.

The Town's Active Transportation Plan (2021) recommends the creation of a policy (or by-law) to specify where and which micromobility devices can be operated along the Town's transportation network. To date, the process has included a review of how municipalities in Durham Region and across the province have been incorporated micromobility into their own networks.

Next Steps

Feedback collected will help inform Whitby Town Council as they make a decision on a new by-law to specify where and which micromobility devices can be used within the Town's transportation network.

The use of micromobility modes of transportation, such as electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters), is emerging worldwide for personal transport, particularly for shorter trips.

Under Provincial regulations, e-bikes are permitted where conventional bicycles are permitted, except where they are prohibited by a municipal by-law. Currently, the Town has no by-law to govern the use of e-bikes within the Town-owned road network. Thus, the operation of e-bikes is guided by the Highway Traffic Act. Accordingly, e-bikes are regulated as vehicles, and must obey all traffic laws, signs and signals as a traditional bicycle and motor vehicle. Whitby’s Public Park and Park Buildings By-Law currently restricts e-bikes within park trails.

Under Ontario’s E-scooter Pilot Program, to allow e-scooters in their jurisdictions, local municipalities must opt-in to the pilot program and have a by-law specific to e-scooters in their jurisdictions. Currently, the Town has no by-law governing the use of e-scooters within its jurisdiction. It is noted that the province launched a five-year e-scooter pilot program on January 1, 2020, which will end on November 28, 2024. Through this program, the province aims to evaluate the suitability of e-scooters as a transportation option. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is proposing a change to the pilot program to extend until November 27, 2029.

The Town of Whitby is working on a new by-law to guide the use of micromobility devices in the community. Through a new by-law, the Town aims to define which types of micromobility are allowed to be used and where within the Town's transportation network, including roads, sidewalks, multi-use paths, and off-road trails.

The goal: to ensure the safe integration of micromobility devices into Whitby's transportation system, while prioritizing pedestrian and road user safety.

Have Your Say

Complete our online survey between now and May 31, 2024, to share your thoughts on the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices in Whitby.

Specifically, the Town is seeking feedback on:

  • community interest in micromobility
  • perceived risks and barriers related to the use of micromobility modes
  • which/where micromobility devices should be allowed within the Town’s transportation network

Project Background

Micromobility devices are emerging across the world as sustainable, convenient, and affordable modes of transportation. They use less space and energy, are convenient for short trips and complement public transit as a first-and-last-kilometre connection option. Across Canada, municipalities are exploring the use of micromobility devices and developing regulations to integrate them safely into the current transportation system.

The Town's Active Transportation Plan (2021) recommends the creation of a policy (or by-law) to specify where and which micromobility devices can be operated along the Town's transportation network. To date, the process has included a review of how municipalities in Durham Region and across the province have been incorporated micromobility into their own networks.

Next Steps

Feedback collected will help inform Whitby Town Council as they make a decision on a new by-law to specify where and which micromobility devices can be used within the Town's transportation network.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Micromobility Survey

    Share your feedback on where and which types of micromobility devices (like e-bikes and e-scooters) should be ridden in Whitby. Survey closes on May 31.

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Page last updated: 13 Nov 2024, 02:16 PM