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Brockton council wants to explore potentially creating more safety regulations around electric scooters.
A motion from Coun. Tim Elphick was passed during Brockton council’s meeting Tuesday evening to have staff prepare a report regarding the use of e-scooters and other similar electronic mobility devices, including recommendations to enhance safety and appropriate locations for use.
“This has been a concern brought forward by a number of individuals to my attention. And certainly I’ve observed it myself. I think any of us who are users of the road are also finding ourselves interacting with scooters, particularly with our young people in the community,” Elphick says. “We’re seeing situations where they’re not wearing a helmet, or travelling very quickly on the roadway.”
“And the intention and spirit behind the motion is to receive a report … on ways that we as a municipality can contribute to education and also ensure safety in operation.”
According to the Ontario government, e-scooter’s are currently permitted in the province under a 10-year pilot program, but municipalities are able to decide where and how they are used.
The province requires e-scooter riders be at least 16 years old, and wear a helmet if under the age of 18.