City Approves New Micromobility Strategy and Micromobility By-law

Richmond Hill – Richmond Hill Council approved the City’s Micromobility Strategy to regulate the use of micromobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters. The strategy includes the new Active Transportation and Micromobility By-law that will help enhance connectivity and improve active transportation experiences in Richmond Hill.

Richmond Hill’s Micromobility Strategy includes permitting e-scooters on City roads and cycling facilities, such as bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, and multi-use paths, introducing rules and regulations for the use of micromobility devices, promoting compliance through public education and enforcement and exploring shared micromobility opportunities in future.

With the new Micromobility By-law, e-scooters are now allowed on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less and on cycling facilities, such as bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, and multi-use paths. E-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks, with the exception of cyclists (riding traditional bicycles) 14 years and under.

The City’s Micromobility Strategy regulates the use of micromobility devices while considering road safety, community mobility needs and preferences, accessibility and provincial requirements.

For a detailed list of permitted devices and regulations, visit RichmondHill.ca/Micromobility.

QUICK FACTS

• Micromobility means small, lightweight vehicles people can use to get around, usually electric. In Ontario, the most common types are electric bikes (e-bikes) and stand-up electric scooters (e-scooters).
• Micromobility can help reduce traffic, make it easier to connect to transit, support climate goals, and more.
• In Richmond Hill, mobility device users such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters are treated as pedestrians and allowed on sidewalks

QUOTE

“Getting around on an e-bike or e-scooter is now a visible and routine part of daily travel in Richmond Hill. Riding an e-bike or e-scooter is not only sustainable for the environment but also allows riders to take in the beauty of our connected city and can be a fun activity to keep active! As the technology continues to improve, we anticipate the number of riders to increase. And so, it is even more important that we focus on the safety of riders and pedestrians whether they ride, walk or jog along our trails, sidewalks and roads.” – Mayor David West