Exploring E-Scooters in Barrie

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This consultation closed at 11:59 p.m. on September 1, 2025.

Next Steps:

Input gathered through this consultation will help inform a staff report to City Council that may include recommendations on whether to opt in to the provincial pilot program.

About the Consultation:

The City is exploring whether to permit the use of electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) in Barrie through participation in the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) e-scooter pilot program, which allows municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used.

E-Scooters are currently not allowed to operate on City property or within the public right-of-way (i.e. City streets, sidewalks, trails etc.). Despite this, residents are already using personal e-scooters, and e-scooters are available for purchase across the province. This growing, informal use is one reason why the City is seeking feedback.

About E-Scooters:

An electric kick-style scooter (e-scooter) is a vehicle that has:

  • two wheels (one at the front and one at the back)
  • a platform to stand on
  • a handlebar for steering
  • an electric motor that does not exceed 500 watts
  • a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface

E-scooters come in different styles, weights and speed capabilities (see photo examples).

Difference Between Personal and Shared E-Scooters:

Personal e-scooters are privately owned devices used by individuals for personal transportation. Shared e-scooters are rental e-scooters operated by private companies under a permit. The City is considering whether to allow personal use, shared systems, both, or neither.

About the MTO Pilot Program:

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has a pilot program which allows municipalities to establish by-laws to allow e-scooters on a trial basis to assess viability of potential broader future legislation.

The goal of the pilot is to evaluate how e-scooters can integrate into Ontario's transportation system safely and effectively. Municipalities must pass a by-law to allow them locally, and have authority over where and how they may be used.

Consultation activities included:

This consultation closed at 11:59 p.m. on September 1, 2025.

Next Steps:

Input gathered through this consultation will help inform a staff report to City Council that may include recommendations on whether to opt in to the provincial pilot program.

About the Consultation:

The City is exploring whether to permit the use of electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) in Barrie through participation in the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) e-scooter pilot program, which allows municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used.

E-Scooters are currently not allowed to operate on City property or within the public right-of-way (i.e. City streets, sidewalks, trails etc.). Despite this, residents are already using personal e-scooters, and e-scooters are available for purchase across the province. This growing, informal use is one reason why the City is seeking feedback.

About E-Scooters:

An electric kick-style scooter (e-scooter) is a vehicle that has:

  • two wheels (one at the front and one at the back)
  • a platform to stand on
  • a handlebar for steering
  • an electric motor that does not exceed 500 watts
  • a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface

E-scooters come in different styles, weights and speed capabilities (see photo examples).

Difference Between Personal and Shared E-Scooters:

Personal e-scooters are privately owned devices used by individuals for personal transportation. Shared e-scooters are rental e-scooters operated by private companies under a permit. The City is considering whether to allow personal use, shared systems, both, or neither.

About the MTO Pilot Program:

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has a pilot program which allows municipalities to establish by-laws to allow e-scooters on a trial basis to assess viability of potential broader future legislation.

The goal of the pilot is to evaluate how e-scooters can integrate into Ontario's transportation system safely and effectively. Municipalities must pass a by-law to allow them locally, and have authority over where and how they may be used.

Consultation activities included:

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey: Exploring E-Scooters In Barrie

    This survey will ask you about your thoughts on permitting private and/or rental e-scooters in Barrie. Responses will be used to prepare a staff report to City Council that may include recommendations on whether to opt in to the provincial e-scooter pilot program.

    Permitting e-scooters has perceived benefits and risks. As you complete the survey, we encourage you to reflect on your personal perspectives regarding their possible impacts.  

    The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete. The survey closes at 11:59 p.m. on September 1, 2025.

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Page last updated: 02 Sep 2025, 08:03 AM