Accessibility Advisory Committee

Gallant WHEREAS, in Ontario, the use of e-scooters is prohibited, subject to any pilot projects adopted under O.Reg 389/19 – Pilot Project – Electric Kick-Scooters . WHEREAS the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) has been actively engaged on the question of trialing e-scooters in Ottawa, including during the 2020 and 2021 pilot projects; WHEREAS the AAC has consistently raised concerns about the serious safety risks that e-scooters pose to disabled pedestrians and seniors in Ottawa; WHEREAS the AAC has considered the results of the 2020 and 2021 pilot projects; WHEREAS the results of the 2020 and 2021 pilot projects demonstrate that, despite efforts by City staff and e-scooter providers, the safety risk posed by e-scooters cannot be properly managed or regulated; WHEREAS e-scooters are inherently dangerous to disabled pedestrians and seniors in Ottawa; WHEREAS the presence of e-scooters in Ottawa represents a barrier to accessibility and reduces disability inclusion; WHEREAS the presence of e-scooters in Ottawa will not move the city towards full accessibility by 2025; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The AAC advises City Council not conduct any more pilots that would allow e-scooters to be used in any public places in Ottawa, whether the e-scooter is owned by, borrowed by, or rented by the rider; THEREFORE BE IT ALSO RESOLVED THAT the AAC advises City Council to decline any further participation in O.Reg 389/19 – Pilot Project – Electric Kick-Scooters ; THEREFORE BE IT ALSO