Exploring E-Scooters in Barrie

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

On December 10, 2025, staff provided a memo to Council with an update on the Ministry of Transportation’s electric kick-scooter (e-scooter) pilot program, summarizing current use in Barrie, and presenting results of recent public consultation.

The memo states that there has not yet been sufficient data gathered by the Ministry of Transportation to fully understand risks associated with broader e-scooter use, develop best practices to manage safety and liability, or determine the adequacy of current infrastructure and regulatory requirements. While demand for e-scooters is evident, significant uncertainties remain.

Given this, the City is not pursuing participation in the provincial e-scooter pilot program and will continue to monitor the pilot through its extended duration.

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:

• The ability to ask the project team a question.
• A brief online survey to share your thoughts about permitting e-scooters in Barrie.