Scooter spotted in the middle of traffic prompts questions on the rules in Mississauga

A person spotted in the middle of traffic on a scooter in Mississauga has prompted some discussion on the rules of the road.

E-scooters have become more prominent in recent years — the City of Brampton just launched a pilot project with three companies to rent the scooters. Brampton hopes the scooters will help cut emissions in the city — but they have already run into some issues.

In spring 2021, the City of Mississauga set out rules for e-scooters. The scooter must be equipped with a hand brake, lights, bell and kickstand.

They are allowed on roads with a posted speed limit of up to 50 km/h. The default speed on City of Mississauga streets is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.

Riders can also use cycling infrastructure such as multi-use trails and bike lanes. But they are cannot ride on sidewalks, city park trails and the Mississauga Transitway. E-scooters are allowed on MiWay buses as long as there is space.

“Generally, e-scooter users should behave the same as someone riding a bicycle on the road,” a City of Mississauga spokesperson tells insauga.com. “Our guidance that we’ve communicated includes the following: When on a road where no bike lane exists, travel in the shoulder or right side of the road.”

Provincial laws further state, e-scooter cannot travel more than 24 km/hr; you must be 16 years old or older to ride one; and people under 18 years old must wear a helmet.

As the weather gets warmer and e-scooters become more popular, there will be more riders out there. This is concerning for some residents including those who commented on a post in the Mississauga Reddit thread.

The post shows the person on what appears to be an e-scooter or non-motorized scooter in traffic. It looks to be Hurontario Street.

“Why on earth would you ride your scooter on the road thinking it can keep up with the flow of traffic?” the post reads.

The rider is in the left lane, which is concerning for some people.

“At the very least, this guy should be in the right-most lane,” one person wrote.

Others didn’t think Mississauga streets were safe enough for scooters.

“You have to be nuts to operate anything than a car/van/truck proper enclosed vehicle on the roads,” one person wrote. “You’re putting your life in danger by operating a bike, scooter, etc.”

Another person pointed out e-scooters put pedestrians in harm’s way if they are used on sidewalks.

E-scooters are an option for residents who can’t afford a car and for those looking to reduce emissions. There will likely be more on the road in the coming years.

“Unless the municipality actually builds proper infrastructure to accommodate low carbon footprint transportation like these, I am fine with them using the road,” one person wrote.

For more information on e-scooter use see the City of Mississauga website.