Brampton’s e-scooter pilot program has seen a sharp decline in usage, with nearly 25% fewer rides in its second year. However, the drop in ridership has coincided with a reduction in complaints, as the city prepares for the final phase of the trial before determining its long-term future.
Launched in April 2023, the two-year initiative introduced 750 electric kick-style scooters to Brampton through service providers Neuron Mobility, Bird Canada, and Scooty Mobility. The program exceeded expectations in its first year, with 110,000 users taking approximately 200,000 rides, resulting in fuel savings of 6,000 litres and reducing 14 tons of carbon emissions.
Despite the strong start, the city reported a 50,000-ride decline in 2024, with total trips dropping to 150,000 in the second year. However, data also shows a significant reduction in public complaints.
In 2023, the city received 337 complaints about e-scooters, primarily concerning litter, debris, and improper parking. By 2024, that number had dropped by over 30% to 229 complaints.
To address public concerns, Brampton introduced a “hybrid parking model” last year, implementing designated parking stalls in high-traffic areas while maintaining free-floating parking in less congested zones.
City officials have confirmed that e-scooters will return in spring 2025 for the final stage of the pilot. A decision on whether to make the program permanent or discontinue it will follow based on ridership trends and public feedback.
Brampton was the first GTA city to introduce an e-scooter program, paving the way for similar initiatives in Mississauga, Hamilton, and Ajax. In Mississauga, however, e-scooter restrictions have sparked frustration among users, despite the introduction of 300 electric pedal-assist bikes and 900 e-scooters.
Brampton’s e-scooters are designed for road use only, with sidewalk riding prohibited. Speed is capped at 20 km/h, with automatic reductions to 15 km/h in parks and high-pedestrian zones through geo-fencing technology.
As the program enters its final phase, city officials will assess its impact before deciding whether e-scooters will become a permanent part of Brampton’s transit landscape.