E-Scooters are Back!

Posted on by TakeActionBurlington

Spring is in the air, and the e-scooters are back on the Centennial Trail for the season!

As part of a two-year pilot running until 2027, you can hop on an e-scooter anytime – available 24/7 – between Brant Street, the Elgin Promenade and Burloak Drive.

The Centennial Trail E-Scooter Pilot is part of the City’s Integrated Mobility Plan to explore new ways for people to move around the city safely and sustainably. E-scooters are one emerging mode of micro-mobility that provide a convenient and environmentally friendly option for the commuity. Micro-mobility refers to the growing suite of small, human- or electric- powered low-speed transportation modes such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards and mopeds. These devices may be personally owned or part of a shared mobility service (such as bike share, scooter share, etc.)

Year One Results

In February 2026, City staff provided City Council with an update on the E-Scooter Micromobility Pilot Program. Here are some highlights:

The Centennial Trail E-Scooter Pilot ran from July 21 to Nov. 13, 2025. It included 50 e-scooters, 17 mandatory parking zones, and connected with 12 major transit connection points.

Usage Highlights:

  • Total Rides: 5,563
  • Unique Riders: 2,177 (2.5 trips per rider)
  • Total Distance Traveled by Riders: 14,113 km (average of 2.5 km per trip)
  • Total Ride Duration: 1,712 hours of riding (average of 18 minutes per trip)
  • Estimated CO2 Saved: Over 3 tonnes (approximate equivalent to 140 trees planted)
  • Parking Compliance: 97% of rides ended at designated parking zones
Figure from the E-Scooter Micromobility Pilot Program Update illustrating ridership trends

During the first year of the pilot, staff spoke with residents to learn what they thought of the program. The survey results show that e-scooters are well used throughout the trail by people who live across Burlington and fall under all age and income brackets. There is also a demand for expanding the riding area and adding more parking zones in the future.

One major comment that surfaced was residents wanted clearer information about rules and responsibilities, including whether private scooters were allowed on the trail, rider responsibility and enforcement. In response, the City has passed a municipal by-law prohibiting e-scooter use from any street or pathway other than use along Centennial Trail and have consulted with Halton Regional Police Service, who are aware of the pilot and prepared to enforce improper use.

Rules Reminder:

As a rider, you must:

  • Be 16 years of age or above to ride.
  • Riders between the ages of 16 and 18 are legally required to wear a properly sized and fitted helmet.
  • Ride only on Centennial Trail and not on sidewalks.
  • Stay in the service area (Centennial Trail between Brant Street and Burloak Drive).
  • Start and end your ride at a mandatory designated parking zone. Check the map in the SCOOTY app.
  • Ride solo. One rider per vehicle only. No double riding or joyriding.
  • Not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Ride safely and courteously. Pay attention. No distracted riding. Always keep both hands on the handlebars.
  • Give way to walking pedestrians and cyclists by slowing or stopping, as necessary, and carefully share the trail with other users.

Maximum speeds along Centennial Trail are shown on the SCOOTY app and the e-scooter will not exceed these maximums. In addition, the e-scooter will stop outside of the service zone.

Look out for SCOOTY parking zones along the Centennial Trail

What is Happening in Year Two?

We will be offering a longer riding season in 2026 and provide more opportunities for you to become familiar with the e-scooter program. This will include more engagement at community events and on social media, helping to improve awareness and understanding of rules and regulations, address concerns, and encourage appropriate use of e-scooters.

Currently, there are no planned changes to expand the program or add more e-scooters until the pilot project is completed. City staff will continue to work with SCOOTY to monitor how residents use the scooters. This will help inform recommendations at the end of the pilot, and ensure the program continues to operate safely and effectively.

Take Action Burlington! By choosing active transportation, even for a couple of short trips each week, you’re helping build a healthier, more connected, and climate-friendly Burlington. Collectively, we can make a difference.

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