E-Bikes Surge on Toronto Streets Amid Safety Concerns—Urgent Update

UPDATE: E-bikes are dominating Toronto’s streets, sparking urgent safety concerns as food delivery drivers like Mezanur Rahman navigate the chaotic urban landscape. As of October 10, 2025, the city has reported a staggering 240% increase in annual hospitalizations related to electric bikes since 2020, raising alarms about the risks associated with this growing trend.

Rahman, enduring a grueling 12-hour shift on a rainy Queen Street, relies on his electric moped to make ends meet. He aims to earn at least $100 daily, sending money back to his family in Sylhet, Bangladesh. “Life is challenging. I work 84 hours a week just to survive,” he shared, highlighting the intense pressure faced by many couriers.

The surge in electric mopeds and e-bikes has transformed Toronto’s streets but has also led to increasing injuries and accidents. Between 2020 and 2024, hospitalizations related to e-bikes have skyrocketed, with reports of couriers prioritizing speed over safety due to pressure from delivery apps. “Some people don’t care about anything; they don’t see red lights,” Rahman noted, reflecting the dangerous environment.

As e-bikes proliferate, the city is grappling with how to manage these vehicles. Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto, described bike lanes as becoming “chaotic environments” where cyclists often feel unsafe. “It’s a failure at all levels of government to regulate these vehicles,” Longfield emphasized, calling for clearer rules to protect both cyclists and e-bike users.

In a recent crackdown, Toronto police issued 1,138 tickets to e-bike and e-scooter users this year alone, amid concerns about reckless riding. Matt Moyer, acting superintendent of the traffic unit, stated, “E-bikers in the food industry are notorious for going on the sidewalk,” indicating a need for better education on road rules.

Despite these efforts, advocates argue that delivery companies are incentivizing unsafe practices. Jennifer Scott, president of Gig Workers United, revealed that many couriers earn less than $10 an hour and face penalties for slower deliveries. “It’s a dangerous job. I know folks who worry they won’t come home at the end of the day,” she remarked, echoing the fears of many in the industry.

According to a 2023 study, using a mobile phone while riding significantly increases the risk of crashes, a reality that delivery riders face as they juggle time pressures and traffic hazards. “These delivery apps have built a business model that pushes costs and risk onto everyone else,” stated Aaron Binder from the Better Way Alliance.

In response to these growing concerns, Toronto officials are working with companies like Uber and DoorDash to promote safety messages to couriers. However, advocates insist that without systemic changes in delivery practices, the risks will remain high. “We need regulations that actually force platforms to follow the rules,” said Thorben Wieditz, an advocate for safer delivery practices.

The conversation around e-bikes in Toronto is evolving rapidly, with the city at a crossroads. As Rahman continues to navigate the rain-slicked streets, he reflects on the dangers of his job, sharing a chilling story of a friend severely injured in an accident. “He can’t work, he’s still in bed,” Rahman lamented, underscoring the urgent need for safety reforms in the rapidly changing landscape of urban transportation.

This situation remains fluid as city officials, advocates, and delivery companies grapple with the implications of this micromobility surge. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.