The City of London has launched two new feedback opportunities for residents and businesses to provide input on how e-scooters and large cargo e-bikes could be used in London.
As part of the Province of Ontario e-scooter pilot program and cargo e-bike pilot program, Ontario municipalities can now determine if and how these transportation choices will be allowed in their community.
The City is also collecting feedback on how a potential e-scooter share program could be coordinated with the City’s future bike share program that is being planned for 2022.
“E-scooters and large cargo e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in cities across North America, and they offer another way for people to get around,” says Allison Miller, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator at the City of London. “As we plan for how these transportation choices could be used in the future, we are hoping to hear from residents and businesses about their experience using them in other cities, and what input or concerns they might have.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to visit the City’s Get Involved webpages for e-scooters and large cargo e-bikes to provide comments or ask questions.
A report and staff recommendation about e-scooters and large cargo e-bikes will be presented to Council later this summer.
About e-scooters
Kick style e-scooters are powered by an electric motor and transport individuals standing on a platform.
Like a bike share system, an e-scooter share system makes scooters available for the public to use as short-term rentals. E-scooters are generally used within a designated service area and rented and paid for through a mobile app.
Currently, e-scooters are not permitted on London roads, bike lanes, sidewalks or multi-use paths.
About large cargo e-bikes
Large cargo e-bikes have a pedal assisted electric motor as well as a large platform or box to carry passengers or items. Large cargo e-bikes included in the Province’s pilot program weigh more than 120 kilograms and have an electric motor between 500 and 1,000 watts.
Some smaller pedal-powered and electric box bikes are classified as e-bikes but are not part of the Province’s pilot program due to their lower weight and smaller electric motor. These smaller e-bikes are already permitted in London and Ontario on streets, bike lanes, cycle tracks, and on multi-use pathways but only when pedaling.
Large pedal-powered cargo bikes without an electric motor are also already permitted and are not included in this pilot program.