The Town of Ajax Shared E-scooter and E-bike Pilot Program offered through Bird Canada Inc. will close on October 31, 2023 and will reopen in Spring 2024. Further information will be made available in 2024.
Ajax Shared E-scooter & E-bike Pilot Program
Residents need more ways to get around Ajax. Electric kick scooters and pedal assist e-bikes are emerging across the world, offering convenient transportation options, notably for people without access to a car and who do not live near transit. They are also useful for people who may not have the physical capacity to use conventional bikes and scooters.
Shared e-bikes and e-scooters are rented for a fee per minute or per distance travelled, picked up and returned in designated areas.
Privately owned e-bikes and e-scooters are vehicles that people purchase for their own use.
The Town of Ajax is currently implementing a Shared E-scooter and E-bike pilot program until December 2024 which includes:
1. Electric Kick scooter and Pedal Assist E-bike By-law: a Town of Ajax By-law specifying where electric kick scooters and pedal assist e-bikes can be used.
2. Shared E-scooter & E-Bike Pilot Program: A partnership with a vendor to provide shared e-scooters and e-bikes. Shared e-scooters and e-bikes are vehicles that people can borrow for a fee.
Using an E-scooter or E-bike
What types of E-scooters and E-bikes are permitted in Ajax? | ||||||||||||||||||
The Pilot Program allows the use of electric kick scooters and pedal assist e-bikes as defined below. Electric kick scooters (which will be referred to as e-scooters in this project) are devices with two wheels and a handlebar powered by rechargeable battery. Currently, the province allows for e-scooters with a weight up to 45kg, a wheel diameter of 17 inches, a maximum output of 500 watts, and a maximum speed of 24km/h. They must not have pedals, a seat, or a basket. Pedal assist e-bikes (which will be referred to as e-bikes in this project) are vehicles resembling conventional bicycles or adult-sized tricycles that involves pedaling with electric assistance. They have a fork and frame and do not resemble a motor scooter or motorcycle. |
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What types of E-scooters and E-bikes are not permitted in Ajax? | ||||||||||||||||||
The following vehicles are not included in the Pilot Program and therefore not permitted in Ajax:
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Who can ride an e-scooter or e-bike? | ||||||||||||||||||
As per provincial requirements, anyone ages 16 and older can use an electric kick scooter or pedal assist e-bike. Helmets are mandatory for riders under the age of 18. | ||||||||||||||||||
Where can I ride an E-scooter or E-bike? | ||||||||||||||||||
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Where am I NOT permitted to use an e-scooter or e-bike? | ||||||||||||||||||
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Where can I park an e-scooter or e-bike? | ||||||||||||||||||
Shared e-scooters and e-bikes must be parked in an upright position in designated areas or at existing bicycle parking racks. Further details on these designated areas will be provided in Fall 2023. Privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes must be parked in an upright position at any existing bicycle rack. |
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What do I need to know to ride an e-scooter or e-bike safely? | ||||||||||||||||||
All e-scooters and e-bikes are required to have:
E-scooters cannot be used to carry passengers or to tow, push, or pull other objects. Purses and backpacks may be carried. The use of e-scooters and e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks, unpaved trails, paved trails with a width of less than 2 metres, crosswalks, and pedestrian crossovers. People who use an e-scooter or e-bike in areas where they are prohibited will be held liable for any damage or harm caused in the event of a collision. When riding on multi-use paths or paved off-road trails (with a minimum width of 2 metres), people riding e-scooters and e-bikes must:
When riding on the road, people riding e-scooters and e-bikes must obey all road rules.
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What are the current regulations, policies and By-laws on e-scooters and e-bikes? | ||||||||||||||||||
Reporting
Misparked e-scooter or e-bike |
Each shared e-scooter and e-bike has a printed identification number. To report a misparked e-scooter or e-bike, contact 311_ajax@bird.co or 1-866-205-2442 and inform them of the identification number of the misparked e-scooter or e-bike. People with sight loss can use the information provided on the raised letter label or the QR code to report the misparked device. If you see a misparked e-scooter or e-bike, you can also put it in an upright position. |
Sidewalk riding |
Complete the Durham Region Police online reporting form to report incidents of riding an e-scooter or e-bike on a sidewalk. When completing the form, please remember to include the location of the infraction, such as the nearest address or intersection. |
Collision with an e-scooter or e-bike |
For collisions occurring on the road, please contact Durham Region Police Services. If the collision has resulted in a serious injury or death, call 911. For all other concerns, contact emobility@ajax.ca. Please keep in mind that the Town’s ability to address your concern depends on staff capacity, resources and existing regulations at the Town and provincial levels. |
Report an Issue |
To report any e-mobility issues around the Town of Ajax, residents can use Report an Issue page on the Town website or the Report an Issue option on AppJax. |
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