Bikes and E-Scooters in Meaford
I have had many requests to address e-bikes and e-scooters. Both are regulated under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. A legal e-bike must have working pedals, a motor no stronger than 500 watts and power assist that cuts out at 32 km/h. Riders must be at least 16 and wear an approved helmet regardless of age. No licence, insurance or plates required, e-bikes simply follow the same rules of the road as cyclists. E-scooters are treated differently under a provincial pilot program running until 2029. They are capped at 500 watts and 24 km/h, riders must be 16 or older, and helmets are mandatory under 18. Here is the important part- municipalities decide whether e-scooters are permitted at all, since the pilot leaves that choice to local bylaw. That is a live decision point for Meaford and one that needs community input.
What concerns me most right now is the safety picture I am seeing on our streets. The OPP held two education sessions at GBCS before school let out for the summer, specifically addressing underage and unsafe riding on e-bikes and e-scooters. Their message was clear, this is largely an education gap. Many riders and parents simply do not know the age, helmet and equipment rules that apply. And a modified e-bike exceeding 500 watts or 32 km/h is legally reclassified as a motor vehicle requiring a licence and insurance. These vehicles may feel like toys but they are traffic and the rules apply. Helmet, age and road rule compliance is not optional in Meaford. If this issue matters to you I encourage you to come to Council and make your voice heard. Bring your concerns and your support for a bylaw that addresses this properly.
Have questions or want to talk more about this? I’d love to hear from you.
Want to hear more about this topic and Shirley’s vision for Meaford? Watch her video below.
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