28-07-2025
e-scooters on Barrie's horizon?
Barrie residents are asked to voice their opinion on e-scooters in the community. Mon., July 28, 2025. PHOTO: CITY OF BARRIE
E-scooters could be just around the next bend if residents agree.
Barrie staff is considering permitting electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) in participation with an initiative from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
'As Barrie continues to grow, we're exploring the role e-scooters could play as part of a broader range of transportation options to support mobility for all residents,' said Brett Gratrix, senior project manager of transportation and development services.
'Although they're not currently permitted in Barrie, we're seeing increasing interest and use, which is why we're consulting the public before determining next steps,' Gratrix said.
E-scooters are currently not allowed to operate in Barrie on city property or within the public right-of-way, such as city streets, sidewalks or trails.
The provincial pilot program allows participating municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used.
No decisions about permitting the scooters have been made yet and city staff are offering the public an opportunity to learn about e-scooters, ask questions, and complete a survey about whether to permit them in Barrie.
Feedback from the public will be sent to city council which will offer recommendations on whether to opt in or out of the provincial pilot program.
pilot program.
About the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) pilot program
Ontario's e-scooter pilot program allows municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used.
The pilot is running from January 1, 2020 to November 27, 2029.
The pilot program sets out requirements for:
Helmets
Minimum age for riders
Weight and speed restrictions
Municipalities that choose to allow e-scooters are responsible for:
