WOMAN DRIVING AN E-SCOOTER — THAT’S ILLEGAL ON HUNTSVILLE ROADS — IS CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED OPERATION AFTER ACCIDENT FRIDAY

HUNTSVILLE — A woman driving an e-scooter — which is illegal in Huntsville — was charged with impaired operation following an accident late yesterday afternoon.

On Friday, September 11, at 5:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a single e-scooter collision on Earls Road in Huntsville.

Responding officers began an impaired driving investigation.

As a result, Mellisa Giddings, 36, of Huntsville, was charged with Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

Giddings was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Police remind the public that impaired driving laws apply to e-scooter operators.

Operating an e-scooter while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence and may result in criminal charges.

While e-scooters are available for purchase, they are not permitted for use in all municipalities. In Ontario, e-scooters may only be operated in municipalities that have opted into the provincial e-scooter pilot program and passed a by-law permitting their use.

As the Town of Huntsville has not opted into the provincial pilot program, e-scooters are not permitted on public roads or other areas governed by municipal by-laws.

Their use is generally limited to private property with the permission of the property owner. Riders are responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable laws and municipal by-laws before operating an e-scooter.

Highway Traffic Act and municipal by-law violations may result in fines and other enforcement action.