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.

 
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:
  • Mopeds or anything that resembles a motorcycle
  • Cargo e-bikes (>55 kg)
  • E-bikes powered by a throttle
  • Any vehicles or device that does not fall within the definition of the Ontario e-scooter pilot or the province's definition of pedal assist e-bikes.
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?
FacilityImageDefinition
Town and Regional Roads with a legal speed limit of 60 km/h or less  Town and Regional roads  Roads owned by the Town of Ajax or the Region of Durham without a bike facility or with sharrows (bike symbols)
Designated bicycle lanes  Designated bicycle lanes A designated portion of the roadway specifically for people biking. It includes a painted line and a painted bicycle symbol and may include a painted buffer. Parking in a bike lane or blocking a bike lane is prohibited.
Cycle Tracks  Cycle tracks A bikeway that is physically separated from the roadway by a curb. They are designated exclusively for use by people riding bikes though other types of rolling, such as rollerskating, skateboarding, or scooting, may be permitted. 
Multi-use paths with a minimum width of two metres  Multi-use paths Multi-use trails are constructed within the road right-of-way in the boulevard along arterial roads. Different from sidewalks, multi-use paths are wider and darker in colour. They can be used by people walking, biking, and using other active types of rolling (rollerblading, skateboarding, scootering, etc.).
Paved trails with a minimum width of two metres  Paved trails Off-road trails are typically developed within parks, open spaces and green corridors throughout Ajax. They can be used by people walking, biking, and using other active types of rolling (rollerblading, skateboarding, scootering, etc.).
Where am I NOT permitted to use an e-scooter or e-bike?
Not PermittedImage
 Sidewalks  sidewalk
 Unpaved trails  Unpaved trails
Paved trails less than 2 metres wide paved trails less than 2 meters
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. 
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:
  • A working bell, horn, or gong
  • A white light in the front and red light at the rear

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:

  • Keep a safe distance of at least one metre from pedestrians.
  • Use a bell, horn, or gong when approaching pedestrians.
  • Slow down for pedestrians or non-assisted bicycles. Stop where there is insufficient space to pass.
  • When using crosswalks, obey all traffic signals and dismount before crossing. Dismounting is not required when using crossrides. 

When riding on the road, people riding e-scooters and e-bikes must obey all road rules.

  • Signal with your arms before turning, stopping, or changing lanes.
  • Watch for pedestrians and motorists before turning.
  • Obey all traffic signals and stop signs.
  • Watch for turning motorists when approaching intersections.
  • Avoid using e-scooters and e-bikes while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
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.

The form can be accessed here. 
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.