Media Release for Friday, September 4, 2026

Calls for Service:
(Sep 3 at 8:00am – Sep 4 at 8:00am) 132

Electric Kick Scooters

The Peterborough Police Service is clarifying the rules around Electric Kick Scooters in our policing areas (City of Peterborough, Cavan Monaghan Township, Village of Lakefield).

At this time, the use of these scooters is prohibited as the municipalities in our policing area have not opted in to a provincial pilot project.  The pilot project started in 2020 and will wrap up in 2029.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports a 40% increase in hospitalizations related to electric kick scooter incidents. 

As school is returning, we are including this information as part of our Back to School Traffic Safety information. 

FAQs

What are the facts about Electric Kick Scooters in Ontario? 

In 2020, a pilot project began in Ontario allowing municipalities to opt-in to a program that permitted the use of electric kick scooters. The pilot project ends in 2029. 

Although these electric kick scooters are widely available for purchase, the City of Peterborough, Cavan Monaghan Township, and the Village of Lakefield, have not opted into this project. 

Electric kick scooters come in a variety of shapes and sizes; They are defined as having two wheels, a platform for standing, a handlebar, a horn or bell, at least one white light on the front, a red light on the rear, a maximum 500w electric motor, and a maximum speed of 24hm/h. 

What does this mean? 

At this time, the use of electric kick scooters is prohibited on any road, highway, sidewalk, or path in the City of Peterborough, Cavan Monaghan Township, and Village of Lakefield. 

Where can I use them? 

Electric kick scooters are only permitted to be used on private property, or in a municipality that has enacted a bylaw permitting their use. 

What does the law say, exactly?

Ontario Regulation 389/19 of the Highway Traffic Act states that "No person shall operate an electric kick scooter on a highway, sidewalk, trail, path, walkway, or in a public park or exhibition ground UNLESS the highway, sidewalk, trail, path, walkway, or public park or exhibition ground is under the jurisdiction of a municipality, and such operation is permitted by and in accordance with a municipal by law". 

How are companies allowed to sell these if people can't use them? 

There are some municipalities on Ontario that have chosen to opt in to the project, and the scooters can be lawfully used in these areas. Also, they can be used on private property. 

What can happen if I am stopped by the police while using one? 

If an electric kick scooter is being operated in a prohibited location, monetary fines can be issued, and the operator could be summoned to court.  

There are further potential consequences for persons that permit others to use these electric kick scooters. 

Depending on the scenario, an education-based approach with warnings may also be appropriate.

More information on the provincial pilot project can be located at https://www.ontario.ca/page/electric-kick-style-scooters-e-scooters 

Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
876@peterboroughpolice.ca
705-876-1122 x217