By: Shelley Adams
While e-scooters are a convenient transportation option for some, improper use poses serious hazards for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
In Halifax, several community members have already voiced their concerns about unregulated e-scooter parking and unsafe riding practices, especially when devices are abandoned and left block sidewalks or operated at high speeds. People have reported incidents where e-scooters obstruct narrow walkways, block curb cuts, create tripping hazards, and startle people and guide dogs alike due to their speed and lack of audible signals.
To tackle these challenges, Halifax Regional Municipality and Bird Canada launched a two-year shared micromobility pilot in May 2025, deploying 300 e-scooters and 300 e-bikes across Halifax.
Bird is prioritizing accessibility and rider responsibility through:
- Marked parking zones: designated stenciled or mat areas to keep sidewalks clear (tactile indicators forthcoming)
- User accountability: riders must photograph parked scooters; unapproved parking triggers warnings, charges, and penalties
- Realtime reporting: Bird responds to misparked devices within one business day via its local operations and customer service
- Geofencing and “no ride”/ “slow ride” zones: app and device tech enforce speed limits and prohibit sidewalk riding
CNIB Halifax has been working closely with Bird to make the initiative as hazard-free as possible. This includes:
- Creating parking corrals with high-contrast paint and tactile surface markers for visibility and detection
- Using coordinated signage and tactile zones to gather input from people with sight loss throughout the pilot
- Rider education, awareness and outreach to encourage and remind riders to ring their bells, yield to pedestrians, and avoid blocking curb cuts
If you see an e-scooter obstructing a sidewalk in Halifax, please call 311 Halifax or email Bird’s local team at 311_halifax@birdcanada.co. Your report helps keep sidewalks clear and safe for everyone.
For more information on e-scooters and accessibility, please visit our e-scooters webpage. If you would like to get involved in the work that CNIB is doing in Halifax on e-scooters, please email shelley.adams@cnib.ca.