Residents and visitors in Mississauga can once again rent electric scooters as the city officially launches the 2026 season of its shared micromobility program, beginning today.
After recent debate at city hall over whether the program should be paused because of safety concerns, council has chosen to move forward — but with a renewed emphasis on rider responsibility, public safety, and proper etiquette.
The seasonal e-scooter service operates alongside the city’s year-round e-bike program through partnerships with Lime and Bird Canada, the two companies that supply the devices.
City officials say e-scooters offer a practical transportation option for residents aged 16 and older, particularly for short trips such as commuting to work or school, connecting to public transit, or running everyday errands without relying on a car.
Since the summer of 2024, the shared program has made approximately 900 e-scooters and 300 e-bikes available across parks, downtown areas, and neighbourhoods throughout the city.
But the rollout has not been without challenges. Complaints have centred on unsafe riding, careless parking, and scooters being left in inconvenient or hazardous locations after use.
Those concerns prompted Matt Mahoney to call earlier this month for a temporary suspension of rentals until stronger safety measures could be introduced. His motion was ultimately defeated, with council opting instead to keep the service active while reviewing improvements.
As part of the new season launch, the city is urging riders to review all rules and safety requirements before using scooters, e-bikes, or bicycles on roads, trails, and pathways.
Officials stressed that all forms of transportation involve shared responsibility, and that public feedback from residents, health partners, operators, and council members continues to shape how the program evolves.
The city also says it is working closely with Lime, Bird Canada, and Peel Regional Police to strengthen rider education and raise awareness around safe and lawful use.
With warmer weather returning, the relaunch signals another busy season for alternative transportation in Mississauga — one where convenience and safety will be expected to go hand in hand.