Gananoque reminds residents e-scooters are prohibited

As electric scooters become increasingly common across Ontario, the Town of Gananoque and the Gananoque Police Service are reminding residents that the devices remain prohibited on public roads, sidewalks, trails and other public spaces within the municipality.

The reminder comes as municipalities across the province continue to grapple with the growing popularity of e-scooters and the safety concerns that have accompanied their use.

Ontario launched an e-scooter pilot program in 2020, allowing municipalities to opt in and permit the devices under provincial rules and local regulations. Gananoque chose not to participate in the pilot, meaning e-scooters cannot legally operate in areas where they would otherwise be permitted.

Town officials said they appreciate feedback from residents on the issue and remain committed to exploring safe, accessible and sustainable transportation options.

Officials also warned that violations may result in penalties under the pilot regulation and the Highway Traffic Act, with fines ranging from $85 to $2,500.

Gananoque Coun. David Osmond said the discussion surrounding e-scooters has generated strong opinions within the community, but stressed the issue is about public safety rather than opposition to the devices themselves.

“So many comments (are) coming in from all angles,” Osmond said. “This is about e-scooters and not e-bikes. Two different things.”

Osmond said he believes many of the concerns stem from complaints about unsafe riding rather than the technology itself.

“Most of this comes from the number of complaints and comments about unsafe usage and concerns for the well-being of riders and the others sharing the roads and unfortunately sidewalks,” he said.

He recalled witnessing young riders travelling without helmets, riding two to a scooter and making unsafe turns into traffic.

“I was very concerned for the safety of the kids,” he said. “A driver would have little or no chance to avoid the accident.”

While acknowledging e-scooters have become an affordable transportation option, Osmond encouraged parents to teach children how to ride responsibly and understand the rules of the road.

“Follow and understand the rules of the road,” he said. “If your kid has one, explain to them how to be safe for themselves and others. Safety is my main concern.”

Osmond also noted that Gananoque’s decision regarding the provincial pilot dates back to 2020, before e-scooters became as common as they are today.

“I’m not aware of any municipal decision or motion that had anything to do with e-scooters,” he explained. “Read the original post, in 2020 we opted out of a pilot program, that’s it.”

He added that the issue presents a difficult challenge for municipalities, with competing opinions about convenience, affordability and public safety.

“This isn’t something any municipality started and it will be interesting to see how involved we need to get,” Osmond said. “It will be a lose-lose situation for any council that goes in any direction with this. It’s emotionally charged and has at least two popular opinions.”

Despite those differing views, Osmond said his message to residents is straightforward.

“Be safe, be kind and talk to your kids,” he said. “Don’t assume they are doing what you showed them.”

Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.