Cycle Toronto Position on Micromobility 

Cycle Toronto supports the use of all speed-limited micro-mobility devices to 32 km/h in bike lanes, cycle tracks, and trails to provide options for people with different mobility needs. 

Cycle Toronto Policy Recommendations on Micromobility

Cycle Toronto urges the city to implement the four following recommendations:

1. Pass a by-law that recognizes, legalizes and clarifies the personal use of all micro mobility devices (up to 32 km/h);
2. Implement Complete Streets by default to expedite the implementation of safe infrastructure that supports a variety of active mobility devices;
3. Launch a comprehensive public education campaign;
4. Request that the City advocate to Transport Canada to regulate harmonized micromobility vehicle safety, standards, testing and labeling after consultations with key stakeholders in universal accessibility, micromobility, active transportation, and road safety.

Micromobility is a cost efficient way for people to move about freely without relying on motor vehicles or costly transit. This includes a broad spectrum of electric and non-electric bikes, cargo bikes, kick scooters, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, roller blades, and skateboards.

However, micromobility devices can create dangerous conflicts with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Cycle Toronto supports the personal ownership and use of micro-mobility devices but does not support the adoption of rental or share programs for electric kick scooters, or other devices. Any policies around micromobility must be intuitive and easy to understand in order to minimize confusion and conflicts between people traveling at different speeds. All policies must be done with an equity impact assessment to ensure that equity deserving communities are not targeted or penalized.

The Legislative Framework

The Federal government, Transport Canada, regulates harmonized micromobility vehicle safety, standards, testing and labeling, as well as conducts consultations with key stakeholders in universal accessibility, active transportation and road safety.

The Province of Ontario, Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has implemented a micromobility pilot on a case-by-case basis and regulates them under the Low-Speed Vehicle Regulations under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. 

Municipalities determine if they will implement these micromobility pilots in their communities. Toronto has not adopted an e-scooter pilot program. On April 25, 2024, The City of Toronto published a micromobility strategy that seeks to simplify, clarify and educate people on what is allowed on Toronto’s streets and why the city has made its determination on a complex issue.