New rules could soon be coming for e-bike riders
Whatever gets them off the sidewalks
Ontario is considering new regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters, but details are scant so far.
Speaking at a press conference today, Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the province was “actively exploring” stricter regulations on the vehicles, reports the Toronto Star, but did not provide more information on what those new rules might be.
Related: Ontario’s chief coroner’s office suggests regulations for e-bikes, including that riders be licensed
E-bikes have become a ubiquitous sight in Toronto in recent years, having been adopted en masse by food delivery couriers and commuters alike. So far, they’re accessible to anyone over 16, and no license is required to drive one.
Related: Feud Watch: Toronto fire chief versus e-bike batteries
The bikes’ swift acceleration and ease of use have made them well-suited to city life, just as they’ve made them an annoyance for pedestrians sharing paths, trails and even sidewalks with the silent, swift vehicles. An enforcement blitz last September saw Toronto police write 3,500 tickets to e-bike and e-scooter riders in merely three weeks.
There’s certainly work to be done to find harmony between these super-bikes and everyone else. With luck, a peace can be reached that lets commuters and delivery drivers enjoy their swift steeds—and keeps them out of the way of everyone else.
Anthony Milton is a freelance journalist based in Toronto specializing in long-form magazine writing. He previously worked as an assistant editor at Toronto Life, where he launched the Front Row newsletter. He regularly contributes all sorts of stories to the magazine, including deep dives on sports, business and housing as well as short-form commentary on our ever-changing city, from its obsession with cherry blossoms to its maddening NIMBYism. His work has also appeared in Maclean’s, Ricochet, TVO, the Trillium and more.
