Ottawa’s E-Scooter Program Faces Uncertain Future The Ottawa Accessibility Commission has recommended ending the city’s e-scooter program next year, citing concerns about accessibility and safety. A motion passed unanimously at the commission’s meeting on Wednesday calls on the City Council to end the program’s five-year pilot phase in 2023 and to explore alternative transportation options for people with disabilities. The commission’s report found that e-scooters present barriers to people with mobility impairments, such as those who use wheelchairs or walkers. The report also raised concerns about accidents involving e-scooters, noting that the number of injuries has increased since the program’s launch in 2020. “E-scooters have created significant challenges for people with mobility impairments,” said David Lepofsky, chair of the Accessibility Commission. “They often block sidewalks and ramps, making it difficult or impossible for people to navigate.” City Councillor Catherine McKenney, who supports the commission’s recommendation, said that the e-scooter program has not met the city’s accessibility goals. “We need to find a way to provide safe and accessible transportation options for all residents,” McKenney said. The City Council is expected to consider the commission’s recommendation at its meeting next week. The e-scooter program is currently operating under a one-year extension, which expires in July 2023. Lime, one of the two companies operating e-scooters in Ottawa, expressed disappointment with the commission’s recommendation. “We believe that e-scooters have a role to play in providing accessible and affordable transportation options in Ottawa,” said Lime Canada spokesperson Alex White. The company said it is working with the city to address accessibility concerns and is committed to making e-scooters as safe as possible. The other e-scooter operator, Bird Canada, declined to comment on the recommendation.Ottawa’s Accessibility Advisory Committee is considering a motion to recommend that the city not renew its electric scooter program next year due to concerns about the safety of pedestrians and individuals with disabilities.
Ottawa’s Accessibility Advisory Committee is considering a motion to recommend that the city not renew its electric scooter program next year due to concerns about the safety of pedestrians and individuals with disabilities. The motion, proposed by committee member Wayne Antle, argues that despite the city’s efforts to address complaints, the program has failed to sufficiently mitigate accessibility barriers. Antle claims that illegal sidewalk riding and improper parking continue to pose hazards. The committee had previously recommended against renewing the program in 2022 due to similar safety concerns. However, Ottawa City Council voted to continue the program with modifications, including a ban on sidewalk riding and designated parking areas. These changes have not proven effective, according to the motion, which alleges that they were implemented without public scrutiny. A city survey from 2023 found that over half of respondents witnessed improperly parked scooters and sidewalk riding. Despite this, only 4% reported the violations. The program has seen a surge in usage, with over 179,000 trips taken in 2023. Council members have considered extending or making the program permanent. However, the decision on the program’s future is expected before the end of the season in November. The Accessibility Committee, which consists of individuals with disabilities or relevant expertise, will discuss and vote on the motion on June 18th
Ottawa’s e-scooter program may come to an end next year, following a motion at the Ottawa Accessibility Commission. The motion recommends that the city not renew its contract with e-scooter operators when it expires in 2023. The commission’s decision was based on concerns about the accessibility of e-scooters for people with disabilities. The commission found that e-scooters can be difficult to operate for people with mobility impairments, and that they can pose a safety hazard for people who are blind or visually impaired. The commission also expressed concerns about the environmental impact of e-scooters. The commission found that e-scooters are often left in inappropriate places, and that they can contribute to litter and clutter. The city’s transportation committee will now consider the commission’s recommendation. The committee is expected to make a decision on the future of the e-scooter program later this year. If the city does not renew its contract with e-scooter operators, it will become the first major Canadian city to end its e-scooter program. E-scooters have been a popular form of transportation in Ottawa since they were first introduced in 2019. However, there have been concerns about the safety and accessibility of e-scooters since they were first introduced.
