Toronto resident Dana Patcas, who lives in a townhouse community, has started a change.org petition to get more regulations for electric scooters.
So far she’s gotten 2,874 signatures.
Patcas, who writes she’s seen “an alarming increase in the use of electric scooters,” is advocating for no sidewalk riding (wanting electric scooters in bike lanes or on roads), the obeyance of bicycle riding laws, no speeding (like e-bikes that can’t go faster than 25 km/h), no double riding, encouragement to wear a helmet, and the framework for insurance liabilities.
“As a pedestrian and pet owner, I am deeply concerned due to the unpredictability of these vehicles, primarily operated irresponsibly by minors,” writes Patcas.
“These hazardous machines are not just endangering the operators but also jeopardizing pedestrian safety including others walking their pets and even traffic participants.”
“These electric scooters lack necessary regulations, which results in minors riding them without helmets, endangering themselves to extreme risks such as fatal accidents,” Patcas continues.
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“The accident risk induced by these scooters also amplifies damage potential. They can cause severe injuries to pedestrians, both adults and children alike, and even their pets. The time has come for Toronto to step up and enact robust regulations on the sale and use of electric scooters to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Let’s make our streets and sidewalks safer for everyone,” she says.
An inquiry to the city wasn’t immediately answered and a Toronto Police spokesman said they would respond shortly.