Scooters and power-assisted bicycles that can exceed 70 km/h will no longer be able to travel on Mont-Royal and Duluth avenues when they are pedestrianized between May and September.
The borough of Plateau-Mont-Royal has decided to prohibit the circulation of electric scooters and mopeds “which can go up to 70 km / h and which are more massive”, indicated Julien Deschênes, spokesperson for the cabinet of the Mayor Rabouin.
A legal vagueness exists concerning these electric vehicles which look like motorcycles and can drive fast, but which are similar to a bicycle because of the presence of pedals and a chain.
Last year, the borough had received complaints “concerning the feeling of insecurity resulting from the cohabitation of cyclists and pedestrians”, indicated Mr. Deschênes.
The Plateau-Mont-Royal has therefore chosen to follow an INRS recommendation on cohabitation between pedestrians and cyclists by prohibiting vehicles similar to scooters.
“By removing the heavier and faster vehicles, we will improve the feeling of safety for users of Mont-Royal Avenue,” explained the spokesperson.
However, electric bicycles and scooters will not be affected by this decision taken Monday evening at the borough council.
The ban will be in effect for Mont-Royal Avenue between Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Fullum Street from May 20 to September 5, when the road will be made pedestrian.
The same will apply for Avenue Duluth between Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Rue Saint-Hubert from June 19 to September 5.