Exploring E-Scooters in Barrie

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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.

Share Your Feedback!

Your input will help inform a staff report to City Council that may include recommendations on whether to opt in to the provincial pilot program. No decisions have been made yet. This is an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts.

Ways to get involved:

Consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on September 1, 2025.

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.

Share Your Feedback!

Your input will help inform a staff report to City Council that may include recommendations on whether to opt in to the provincial pilot program. No decisions have been made yet. This is an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts.

Ways to get involved:

Consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on September 1, 2025.

Ask the project team a question!

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  • Share On Sidewalks ?? on Facebook Share On Sidewalks ?? on Twitter Share On Sidewalks ?? on Linkedin Email On Sidewalks ?? link

    On Sidewalks ??

    Norm asked 9 days ago

    Per the provincial pilot program guidelines for municipalities, the Ministry of Transportation does not permit e-scooters to operate on sidewalks.

  • Share Do you realize that these scooters have capabilities of travelling at speed up to 80klm per hour? Is there legislation in place that requires e-scooters (and bikes) to obtain liability insurance in case of an accident and personal injury? on Facebook Share Do you realize that these scooters have capabilities of travelling at speed up to 80klm per hour? Is there legislation in place that requires e-scooters (and bikes) to obtain liability insurance in case of an accident and personal injury? on Twitter Share Do you realize that these scooters have capabilities of travelling at speed up to 80klm per hour? Is there legislation in place that requires e-scooters (and bikes) to obtain liability insurance in case of an accident and personal injury? on Linkedin Email Do you realize that these scooters have capabilities of travelling at speed up to 80klm per hour? Is there legislation in place that requires e-scooters (and bikes) to obtain liability insurance in case of an accident and personal injury? link

    Do you realize that these scooters have capabilities of travelling at speed up to 80klm per hour? Is there legislation in place that requires e-scooters (and bikes) to obtain liability insurance in case of an accident and personal injury?

    Chris McAleer asked 9 days ago

    Per the provincial pilot program, an electric kick-style scooter (e-scooter) is defined as a vehicle that has a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface. Municipalities that choose to allow e-scooters are responsible for whether insurance is required (the type and coverage) for rental companies, however the Ministry of Transportation doesn't provide any information with regards to personal liability insurance as part of this pilot program.

  • Share Do we need a license? And what will be the cost per hour/minute? on Facebook Share Do we need a license? And what will be the cost per hour/minute? on Twitter Share Do we need a license? And what will be the cost per hour/minute? on Linkedin Email Do we need a license? And what will be the cost per hour/minute? link

    Do we need a license? And what will be the cost per hour/minute?

    Praisy asked 9 days ago

    The provincial pilot program does not require an individual operator to have a license (such as a driver’s license), but requires operators to:

    • be at least 16 years old
    • stand at all times while riding
    • wear a bicycle helmet if under 18 years old


    If the City were to opt in to the pilot program and allow service providers to offer rental scooters, the cost per use is typically set by the service provider. The pilot also allows municipalities to permit privately owned scooters.

Page last updated: 30 Jul 2025, 02:45 PM