Association for Media Literacy: Electric Scooter Rights and Responsibilities

Project Type: PLE (Public Legal Education), Research

Fields of Law: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Civil Litigation, Health

 

About:

The Association for Media Literacy is made up of teachers, librarians, consultants, parents, cultural workers, and media professionals interested in the impact of the media on contemporary culture. AML is concerned with helping people develop an informed and critical understanding of the nature of media, the techniques used by media creators, and the impact of these techniques on thinking and behaviour.

 

Project Details

The legal entanglements that are emerging from the uses of electric bikes, scooters, etc. (scooters) are growing. These vehicles and their operators are almost completely unlicensed, yet operate in the same spaces as pedestrians. As they are becoming more ubiquitous on Toronto streets, the Association for Media Literacy is concerned that pedestrians and drivers are going to be subject to the vagaries of electric vehicle operators without insurance, licenses, traffic laws, personal protection, etc.

These undefined and unpredictable behaviours will impact the urban environment in significant ways. One response might be that people, and particularly seniors, will stay off the sidewalks for fear of injury. Children may also be at increased risk, and already ride to school over walkable distances as a result of cautious parents. As such, the partner organization is hoping to explore whether there is a need to establish clear laws, both for the operations and operators of the vehicles, and insurance requirements, with clearly articulated responsibilities and sanctions.

Significant work on this project was undertaken in 2022-23. This year, the student who is assigned to the Streaming Media Copyright Concerns project at the AML will also have the option of conducting additional work to finalize this project.

 

Who can apply?

Interested students should apply to the Streaming Media Copyright Concerns project. First-year students are eligible to apply. Course work in contract law is an asset. Students should demonstrate an interest in contract law, public communications, and media.