Ottawa E-Scooter Program Faces Uncertainty as Accessibility Commission Calls for its End A motion put forward at the Ottawa Accessibility Commission has recommended the termination of the city’s e-scooter program next year. The motion, which was supported by a majority of commissioners, cites concerns about the accessibility and safety of the program for people with disabilities. The commission’s report highlights several issues with the current e-scooter program, including: * Inaccessibility: E-scooters are not accessible to wheelchair users or people with visual impairments due to their size and design. Their small wheels can also make it difficult for individuals with mobility impairments to navigate uneven terrain. * Safety: Commission members raised concerns about the potential for e-scooter accidents, especially involving pedestrians or people with disabilities who may be vulnerable to collisions. * Encroachment on sidewalks: E-scooters are often left parked on sidewalks, obstructing pedestrian flow and creating accessibility barriers for users with mobility impairments. The motion recommends that the City of Ottawa end the e-scooter program in 2023, citing the need to prioritize the accessibility and safety of all residents. The commission suggests that the city explore alternative transportation options that are more accessible, such as accessible buses or a ride-sharing program for individuals with mobility impairments. The City of Ottawa is currently reviewing the commission’s recommendations and will make a final decision on the future of the e-scooter program in the coming months. If approved, the program would end on December 31, 2023. Advocates for people with disabilities have welcomed the motion, stating that it is a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible city. However, some residents have expressed disappointment, arguing that e-scooters are a convenient and environmentally friendly form of transportation.Ottawa’s Electric Scooter Program Faces ScrutinyOttawa’s Electric Scooter Program Faces Scrutiny Ottawa’s Accessibility Advisory Committee is considering a motion to recommend against the return of electric scooters (e-scooters) next year due to concerns about pedestrian and accessibility risks. The motion, brought forth by committee member Wayne Antle, argues that despite the city’s efforts to address concerns, the e-scooter program has failed to eliminate accessibility barriers. Antle claims that illegal sidewalk riding and parking continue to pose risks, despite measures such as designated parking areas and audible warning sounds. The committee had previously recommended against renewing the program in 2022 based on similar concerns. However, Ottawa City Council opted to continue with the program with amendments, including a sidewalk riding ban and improved safety measures. According to a city survey from 2023, over half of respondents reported encountering improperly parked scooters and sidewalk riding. Only a small percentage reported violating rule violations to the city. Despite the city’s efforts to address concerns, the Accessibility Committee maintains that the program poses significant risks to disabled people, the elderly, and vulnerable pedestrians. They cite evidence that barrier prevention technology is not as effective as claimed and that e-scooters continue to be a threat. The committee will discuss and vote on the motion at its next meeting on June 18th. A decision on the future of the e-scooter program is expected to be made before the end of the season in November.Ottawa Accessibility Commission Recommends Ending E-Scooter Program The Ottawa Accessibility Commission has recommended that the city’s e-scooter program be terminated next year. The commission voted in favor of a motion at its meeting on Tuesday, citing concerns about the accessibility and safety of the devices. The motion recommends that the city not renew its contract with Lime, the company that currently operates the program, when it expires in March 2024. The commission also recommended that the city develop a new micro-mobility strategy that includes options for accessible and safe transportation. The city’s e-scooter program has been in operation since 2020. It allows users to rent e-scooters through a mobile app and ride them on city streets. However, the program has faced criticism from some residents who say the scooters are often left in the middle of sidewalks, blocking pedestrian access. There have also been concerns about the safety of the scooters, with some riders reporting injuries. The city’s transportation committee will consider the commission’s recommendations at its next meeting in September.
