For Immediate Release

Tillsonburg, ON – The Town of Tillsonburg is reminding residents that electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) are currently not permitted for use on municipal roads, sidewalks, trails, parks, or other public property within the community. 

An e-scooter is defined by the Province of Ontario as a vehicle with two wheels, a platform to stand on, handlebars for steering, and an electric motor of up to 500 watts capable of a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface.  

While Ontario established an e-scooter pilot program in 2020, municipal participation is voluntary. Under the pilot program, municipalities must pass a bylaw opting in before e-scooters can legally operate on municipal infrastructure. The Town of Tillsonburg has not passed a bylaw to participate in the pilot program, and Town Council has not yet considered or approved participation. As a result, e-scooters have never been authorized for use on public property in Tillsonburg.  

Ontario's pilot program allows municipalities to determine whether e-scooters are appropriate for their communities and, if approved, where they may be operated and parked. The program also establishes requirements related to vehicle specifications, rider age, speed limits, lighting, and safety equipment. Municipalities that choose to participate are required to pass local bylaws and provide operational and safety information to the Province.  

Mayor Deb Gilvesy said the Town wants to ensure residents clearly understand the current rules. "We want residents to understand that this is not a case of the Town changing the rules. E-scooters have never been permitted in Tillsonburg under the current provincial pilot framework, which requires municipalities to formally opt in and establish local rules by bylaw before they can be used on municipal infrastructure. Until that process is considered and any necessary local rules are in place, e-scooters remain prohibited on municipal roads, sidewalks, trails and public spaces." 

Residents should be aware that the use of e-scooters on public property in Tillsonburg remains prohibited and is subject to enforcement by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and municipal bylaw enforcement officers. Individuals who do not comply with applicable provincial regulations, the Highway Traffic Act, or municipal bylaws may be subject to fines or other penalties. 

The Town has received inquiries regarding e-scooter use and wishes to clarify that owning or purchasing an e-scooter does not make it legal to operate on public roads, sidewalks, trails, parks, or other public property within Tillsonburg. 

Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with provincial regulations and municipal bylaws before using personal mobility devices in public spaces.

Media Contacts

Deb Gilvesy  
Mayor 
Town of Tillsonburg 10 Lisgar Ave 
Tillsonburg, ON N4G 5A5 
519-688-3009 ext 4053 
dgilvesy@tillsonburg.ca 

PC Randi Crawford 
Community Engagement Officer 
Ontario Provincial Police, 90 Concession St. East
Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4Z8 
randi.crawford@opp.ca