Nelson Cadete, Project Manager, Active Transportation, Planning, Building and Economic Development, provided a presentation entitled, 'Micromobility - Electric Scooter Pilot', highlighting the following:
- The Electric Scooter Pilot program is a City initiative viewed as a test for micromobility
- Electric scooter is defined as a micromobility device
- Pilot program launched by the Province on January 2020
- Support of the program and policies outlined
- Benefits of the electric scooter
- Initiative aligns with the City's 2040 Vision and Active Transportation Plan
- Pilot parameters - how scooter works, speed, weight and safety features
- By-law to regulate the use of the scooter - will be used wherever a bicycle is used and will be prohibited on sidewalks
- Terms of Reference
Delegations 5.3, 5.4, 5.6 and 5.7 were brought forward at this time.
Shoaib Ahmed, CEO, Scooty (Scooty Mobility Inc), was not in attendance for item 5.7.
David Lepofsky, Chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, advised that his organization does not support the e-scooter initiative and outlined his reasons, which included the following:
- Opinion that the needs of persons with disabilities have been 'severely' overlooked, including seniors
- Considered the e-scooter dangerous and hazardous for persons with disabilities, and pedestrians when used on sidewalks
- Indicated that e-scooters are ridden on the sidewalks in municipalities where they are prohibited
Bernard Akuoko, Program Lead of Advocacy, Accessibility & Community Engagement (GTA), CNIB, supported the comments of the previous speaker and reiterated the challenges and danger of the e-scooters for persons whose disability is blindness.
Chris Schafer, Vice President, Government Affairs, Bird Canada, provided a presentation regarding the electric scooter pilot project, highlighted the following
- Safety and accessibility features and technology
- Economical an environmental benefits
- Rider and public education
- Safe street program
- Parking strategies
Moaz Ahmad, Civic Lead, Scooty (Scooty Mobility Inc.), provided a presentation regarding the electric scooter pilot project, highlighting the following:
- Commitment to safety and accessibility is ongoing
- Details of consultation with the City and Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Provides an alternative method of transportation
- Opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and improve health and social impacts
In response to questions and comments from Committee, the delegations provided information on the e-scooters which included the following:
- Methods for educating e-scooter riders
- Rules for riding/stopping/parking
- Charging station technology and operations
- Safety features of the device
- Suggestions for dedicated parking location for the e-scooters
- Completion of training video module for riders prior to riding
- Riders' ages range from 16 years to seniors
Committee commented that many concerns were not addressed and suggested that staff consider the comments and concerns expressed by members. The following motion was put forward:
'That staff be requested to consider the concerns expressed by committee and provide additional information with respect to safety at a future meeting'.
Active Transportation staff advised that the e-scooter pilot project program has already been approved by Council and reiterated the benefits as an alternative mode of transportation. Staff clarified that some of the issues raised may have already been addressed in the Terms of Reference for the pilot project and the concerns that remain outstanding can be reviewed and brought back to Committee at a future meeting.
Committee expressed varying options to address the safety concerns with a suggestion for a demonstration of the device at a City location noting that a demonstration ‘in-person’ would help to alleviate their concerns.
Clerk’s Office staff explained that a demonstration outside of a meeting at City Hall will not be considered a Committee meeting and attendance at such an event will be up to individual members.
Active Transportation staff referenced the report that was approved by Council for the pilot project and suggested that Committee review the report as many of the issues raised during discussion were addressed in the report.
There was consensus to withdraw the motion for a staff presentation and for Committee to review the staff report and provide feed back on any issues they felt were not addressed in the report.
The following motion was considered: