Toronto mulls ebike, e-scooter seizures as sidewalk safety debate heats up

As Ontario debates the future of bike lanes, (some) Toronto riders on two wheels could soon face tougher enforcement closer to home. Ebikes and e-scooters on sidewalks may soon move from warnings to potential confiscation. Coun. Jon Burnside plans to introduce a motion at city council this week asking staff to explore whether police could seize electric devices from riders caught breaking sidewalk rules.

“They have the potential to go quite quickly and hurt people seriously,” Burnside said to the CBC. “I think we need to be taking this more seriously than we have been.” Burnside also emphasized that public education campaigns and enforcement blitzes haven’t done enough to curb the behaviour: “Sadly, more enforcement power (seizing of items) is needed to reinforce the messaging as the number of injuries is increasing.”

The politician who changed his mind on winter bike lanes

Toronto already bans ebikes and e-scooters from sidewalks, while e-scooters are also prohibited on public roads. Ebikes can operate on roads and in bike lanes if they meet power and speed limits. Burnside argues the rules are routinely ignored and that the threat of seizures will send a clear signal.

Legal experts say temporary confiscation is plausible. Alan Preyra, a municipal lawyer, compared it to the temporary seizure of cars from stunt drivers or impaired motorists. “It’s not novel,” he said, noting the devices can be silent, fast, and dangerous to vulnerable pedestrians.

But opponents warn the measure may be disproportionate. Dave Shellnutt, a.k.a The Biking Lawyer, said , “If safety is our concern, then aggressive, proactive (albeit probably unlawful) plans like this should be directed at the main perpetrators of harm on our roadways.” Shellnutt highlights that collisions involving e-bikes on sidewalks are rare, whereas motor vehicle incidents cause far more injuries and deaths.

Cycling advocates also urge patience. Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto, said council should await a city staff report on public awareness of ebike and e-scooter use before considering seizures. “We really need evidence-based solutions,” he said. Longfield is pushing for expanded bike infrastructure rather than police crackdowns.