E-scooters Are Not Permitted on Public Property in North Bay
The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) and the City of North Bay are advising residents that e-scooters are not permitted for use on public property in North Bay.
Under Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program, municipalities must pass a bylaw permitting the use of e-scooters before they can be operated on municipal roads, sidewalks, trails, paths, walkways, or public parks.
The City of North Bay has not passed a bylaw permitting the use of e-scooters on public property. As a result, e-scooters cannot be operated on public property in North Bay, which includes the Kinsmen Trail and Kate Pace Way.
What is an e-scooter?
Under Ontario law, an e-scooter, also called an electric kick-style scooter, is a stand-up scooter with a small electric motor. It has two or three wheels, handlebars for steering and a platform for the rider to stand on.
What does this mean in North Bay?
Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program allows municipalities to decide whether e-scooters can be used on public property in their communities.
The City of North Bay has chosen not to participate in the pilot program. As a result, e-scooters are not permitted on public property in North Bay.
Residents may use e-scooters on private property where they have permission to do so and where other applicable rules are followed: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/190389
Possible Penalties
NBPS would like to advise that anyone found operating an e-scooter on public property in North Bay may be subject to enforcement action.
Violations can result in fines ranging from $250 to $2,500 under the Highway Traffic Act. Other offences or requirements may apply depending on the type of vehicle and how it is being operated.
Residents should also be aware that an e-scooter that does not meet the provincial definition may be treated differently under Ontario law. For example, a modified or higher-powered vehicle may be subject to requirements that apply to other types of motor vehicles.
Travelling Outside North Bay
E-scooter rules can be different from one municipality to another.
If you plan to use an e-scooter outside North Bay, check with the municipality you are visiting to find out whether e-scooters are permitted and where they can be used.
For more information about Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program and provincial requirements, visit Ontario.ca/eScooters.
