Police are preparing for new wheels to permanently hit Saskatoon streets.
The city’s shared electric scooter pilot project began in the spring of 2023. On Wednesday, councillors voted to have the scooters become a permanent fixture of Saskatoon summers.
“There will be more enforcement taken as a result of the pilot project ending and that this is on a permanent basis,” Insp. Tony Landry told CTV News.
Last year, police issued just two tickets to e-scooter riders — one for not wearing a helmet and the other for not obeying a stop sign.
“It looks like the bylaws weren’t enforced by the police service. Is the plan to be more strict in the future?” Counselor Scott Ford asked ahead of the unanimous vote to keep the scooters around.
City Manager Jeff Jorgenson said enforcement is up to the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS).
“I can’t say how many tickets SPS will end up choosing to issue, but we’re hopeful that they do ramp it up because, it is a safety matter,” Jorgensen said.
Improper operation of an e-scooter could end in a fine of up to $50, according to the city’s traffic bylaw.
Landry said infractions can include: not adhering to road rules, improper parking and not wearing a helmet.
“We will take action and enforcement, if necessary. But again, it’ll be up to the discretion of the officers,” Landry said.
Neuron Mobility, one of the two suppliers of Saskatoon’s shared e-scooters, said it urges riders to wear helmets
“We go to great lengths to educate and we encourage people to wear our helmets or use their own,” said Isaac Ransom, head of corporate affairs for Neuron Mobility.
As drivers, cyclists and pedestrians get used to new wheels on the road, police say it’s also a learning curve for officers.
