E-Bike and Scooter Safety
Asked by Anonymous · 19 days ago
What are the council doing to prevent young riders of e-bikes and scooters. There have been at least 2 accidents in my subdivision involving pre teens/young teens riding e-bikes hitting small children. Are parents being charged for allowing this underage use? Are licenses required to use motorized bikes and scooters in New Tecumseth?
Wendy Gabrek's answer
Hi there. Thanks for the question. The current council had approved a zero tolerance policy for ALL motorized e-bikes and e-scooters in New Tecumseth.
E-Scooters are banned entirely from all streets, sidewalks and trails. No exceptions.
E-Bikes (unmodified) are banned from sidewalks, in-boulevard multi-use trails and parks, but permitted on roads and bicycle lanes so long as the rider meets the minimum requirements, including being over 16 years old, wearing a helmet, and keeping the device in good repair.
There is little that council can do to prevent parents, grandparents or users in general from buying these devices in the first place. Often they are purchased and delivered through websites. All we can do is enforce our rules and regulations, report sitings to the non-emergency line at the OPP and provide continued public education.
During 2027 Budget deliberations we can also advocate for signage, and dedicated police enforcement campaigns, as well as more education in schools and letters home to parents advising them not to buy these devices as they cannot be ridden in new Tec.
The conversation will continue on this, I promise.
