Officers with the Peterborough Police Service Traffic Management Unit have been receiving inquiries regarding the use of low-speed vehicles (LSV) on roadways.
A reminder that these vehicles are not permitted on any highway, roadway, or sidewalk in the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield, or Cavan Monaghan Township.
Low-speed vehicles are defined as:
travels on four wheels,
powered by an electric power train (an electric motor and, if present, a transmission) that is designed to allow the vehicle to attain a speed of 32 km/h but not more than 40 km/h,
not using fuel as an on-board source of energy, and
having a GVWR of less than 1,361 kg;
In some cases, these vehicles are being marketed as “enclosed mobility devices” which is not correct. As they are considered low-speed vehicles they can only be operated on municipal roadways if the municipality has a by-law allowing for such activity. In Peterborough, such a by-law does not exist, therefore anyone using them on roadways will be stopped and could face charges under the Highway Traffic Act.
For more information on Ontario’s Low-Speed Vehicle pilot program, you can visit
https://www.ontario.ca/page/low-speed-vehicle-pilot-program
If you have a traffic complaint or concern you can reach out to the Traffic Management Unit at www.peterboroughpolice.com/online-reporting and fill out the Driving Complaint Report. If it is an emergency call 9-1-1.