The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and the City of Sault Ste. Marie are advising residents about the use of enclosed, low-speed electric vehicles that are sometimes marketed as mobility scooters.
What Are They?
Enclosed, microcar-style electric vehicles are becoming more common, and while they are often marketed as mobility scooters, they are significantly different from traditional medical mobility devices.
These devices are generally larger, enclosed, powered by a throttle, and may include vehicle-style features such as lights, mirrors, seatbelts, windshields, speedometers, and maximum speed capabilities of 30 km/h or higher. As such, these devices are more consistent with the Ministry of Transportation’s definition of a low-speed vehicle (LSV) than a traditional pedestrian mobility device.
At this time, the City of Sault Ste. Marie has not passed a by-law authorizing the use of low-speed vehicles on municipal roads.
Under the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie Traffic By-law 77-200, sidewalks are intended for pedestrian use. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act considers wheelchairs and medical scooters that are designed for individuals who have limited mobility because of a medical condition or injury, to be pedestrians for the purposes of sidewalk use. These enclosed electric vehicles do not fall within those categories and therefore are not permitted to be operated on City sidewalks or the Hub Trail.
Additionally, as these vehicles are not approved medical devices under Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program and cannot be operated indoors, they cannot be considered a basic and essential mobility device. For this reason, these vehicles cannot be operated on sidewalks in Sault Ste. Marie.
Where Can They Be Operated?
Although they are marketed as mobility scooters, these vehicles cannot be operated on roadways, in bicycle lanes, or on sidewalks in Sault Ste. Marie. They may only be operated on private property with the property owner’s permission.
Potential Consequences
Operating an enclosed electric vehicle on municipal roadways, in bicycle lanes, or on sidewalks could lead to provincial charges, including:
- Under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act:
- Operate motor vehicle without insurance
- Under the Highway Traffic Act
- Drive motor vehicle – no currently validated permit/no permit
- Drive motor vehicle – improper/no licence (if the driver is unlicenced)
- Drive motor vehicle – no plates
- Driving while under suspension (if the driver is a suspended driver)
Police may also seize a vehicle that is not operating in compliance with applicable legislation.
In addition, the size, weight, and speed capabilities of these vehicles can create significant safety risks. On sidewalks, they may put pedestrians at risk of injury. On roadways or in bicycle lanes, they may put the operator, motorists, and cyclists at risk of injury.
Consumer Reminder
Even if a vehicle is sold or advertised as a mobility scooter, that does not automatically mean it is considered a mobility device under City by-law or provincial legislation.
This is also true of many recreational devices sold to consumers. Devices such as electric kick-style scooters, hoverboards, and electric bicycles without pedals may be available for purchase, but that does not mean they are permitted on municipal roadways, sidewalks, or in bicycle lanes under City by-law.
Consumers are responsible for understanding applicable legislation before making any purchases.
