Disability advocates raise concerns over Ontario plan to let e-scooters on roads

Shawn JeffordsThe, Canadian Press, The Star, August 30, 2019
A proposed five-year pilot program that would see e-scooters allowed onto Ontario’s roads poses significant safety risks that need more in-depth consideration than the government is allowing, advocates for disabled residents claim. The government initially offered the public 48 hours in which to weigh in on the proposal, but later extended the deadline for two weeks. Accessibility advocates said the extension still doesn’t allow enough time for meaningful public feedback on a plan that poses risks to the disabled and non-disabled alike. The government said its proposal would allow for feasibility studies that promote road safety on environmentally friendly vehicles while also fostering business innovation. Posted quietly on the province’s regulatory registry on Wednesday, the consultation period was initially set to close two days later just ahead of the Labour Day long weekend.