The Town of Portugal Cove-St. Phillips has banned the use of e-scooters on public property.

The ban includes all trails, parks, historical sites, playgrounds and the splash pad. They are still okay to use on roadways.

The town says they have received several complaints of e-scooters being used inappropriately in those areas.

They note that riders have been seen weaving around playgrounds and the splashpad, including an incident in which a child was injured at the splash pad. People have also been forced off trails because of fast riding. The scooters and their spinning tires are causing damage inside park bathrooms and on the turf field.

Riders are being asked to park and lock their devices at bike racks at park entrances. New racks are being installed at both Rainbow Gully Park and Voisey’s Brook Park as a result.

The town states the scooters offer independence and freedom for users, especially for young people, and they want that to continue – but safely.

They are exploring options for multi-use areas in the future where such devices could be used.