The Hanover Police Service is joining other police services in the region in warning the public about the legal use of e-scooters and e-bikes.
A statement from Hanover Police Chief Chris Knoll says that he and his officers have seen an increase in the use of the electric vehicles in Hanover, and there are some laws around the use of those vehicles that he wishes to clarify.
When it comes to e-scooters, only approved scooters can be used on public roads where local laws allow. Riders must follow the same rules as cyclists, including obeying traffic lights and signs.
Riders must also be at least 16 years of age and anyone under 18 years of age is required to wear an approved bicycle helmet at a minimum. E-scooters are designed for a single riders only and passengers are not permitted. Dangerous or careless riding may result in fines or the impounding of the scooter.
With e-bikes, Chief Knoll says the power output must be no more than 500 watts, and removing pedals will make the bike throttle only, meaning it will be treated as a motorized vehicle, which would require registration, licencing, and insurance.
Also, the same impaired driving laws apply to e-bikes as normal vehicles, and riders must wear helmets.
Chief Knoll says mobility scooters and power-assisted wheelchairs have rules to keep in mind when it comes to them, too.
Mobility scooters are designed for people with mobility impairments and must be used responsibly. The Highway Traffic Act specifies that persons operating motorized wheelchairs are to be treated in the same manner as persons using non-motorized wheelchairs (making them essentially the same as pedestrians).
A sidewalk should be the first choice for someone using a wheelchair or medical scooter. When there is no wheelchair accessible curb, the person should return to the sidewalk at the first available opportunity. Operators of mobility devices should be cautious and ensure they are plainly visible.
