The Do’s and Don’ts of Operating your E-Scooter in Mississauga

As part of the City of Mississauga’s E-Scooter Pilot Program, Mississauga residents, visitors and commuters can use their e-scooters to get to their destinations. Before you get to scooting, make sure you’re up to speed on where you can and can’t operate your e-scooter in Mississauga, as well as the rules and etiquette to follow to keep yourself and other road users safe.

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The City has implemented an e-scooter pilot to regulate the personally-owned e-scooters currently being operated in Mississauga. An e-scooter is a two-wheeled device that the rider operates while standing. The devices are battery-operated and equipped with a hand brake, lights, bell and kickstand. In Mississauga, e-scooters can be operated by those 16 years old and older, up to a speed of 24 km/h.

As part of the pilot, the City has updated its Parks By-LawTraffic By-Law and Transit By-Law to regulate where e-scooters can be operated in Mississauga.

Where to operate your e-scooter in Mississauga

Operate your e-scooter on:

·       Public roadways in Mississauga with a posted speed limit of up to 50 km/h.

·       Cycling infrastructure (i.e. multi-use trails along roadways and bike lanes).

 Do not operate your e-scooter on:

·       Sidewalks, except for the purpose of directly crossing a sidewalk.

·       Public roadways with a posted speed limit of more than 50 km/h.

·       Trails within City parks.

·       City-owned land not designated as public roadways (e.g. Transit terminals).

·       The Mississauga Transitway.

General rules and etiquette

·       Helmets must be worn by riders under the age of 18; however, it is encouraged that all riders wear a helmet for their safety. 

·       Only one rider per e-scooter is permitted – passengers are not allowed.

·       Do not carry, tow, push or pull another person, device or object while using your e-scooter.

·       When parking an e-scooter, ensure it is left in an upright position, out of the way of traffic (e.g. by a bike rack).

·       Ensure your e-scooter has a light that can be seen by others, particularly at night.

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Operating your e-scooter on a Mississauga road

·       Travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic.

·       When on a road where no bike lane exists, travel in the shoulder or right side of the road.

·       Signal your intention to turn using turn signal lights.

·       Obey all traffic signals and signs.

·       Always be aware of surrounding traffic, especially at intersections.

Operating your e-scooter on cycling infrastructure

·       Share the trail – follow all trail etiquette.

·       Stay to the right, pass on the left.

·       Yield to pedestrians.

·       Use your bell or give a friendly verbal warning before passing a pedestrian, cyclist or other trail-user.

·       Obey all trail signage.

·       Keep a safe distance from and give way to pedestrians or cyclists by slowing down or stopping completely if insufficient space to pass.

Travelling on MiWay with your e-scooter

·       E-scooters are allowed on MiWay buses as long as there is space on the bus and the accessible seating area and aisles are not blocked.

·       E-scooters are not allowed on the bus bike rack.

·       Dismount from your e-scooter at transit terminals and stations.

·       Turn off your e-scooter before boarding the bus.

·       Similar to a skateboard, you are not allowed to ride an e-scooter while onboard the bus, but you may bring it along with you.

Have thoughts on the use of e-scooters in Mississauga? Visit yoursay.mississauga.ca/escooter to share your experiences operating your e-scooter in Mississauga and interacting with others operating e-scooters in the city.

Your feedback will inform whether e-scooter systems should become part of Mississauga’s greater transportation system in the future.