Electric kick scooter rules and safety

On this page

• Where you can ride
• Types of electric kick scooters allowed
• Road and safety rules you must follow
• Tips on getting started
• Public education toolkit
• Contact us

• The highway must not be within municipal boundaries, treaty lands of a treaty First Nation, or Nisg̱a'a Lands
• The highway must have a cycle lane

• You must ride in the cycle lane at all times
• You cannot ride anywhere else on the road or shoulder, including on sidewalks or in crosswalks

• Handlebars for steering with a platform in the middle for standing (cannot have a seat/sitting surface or enclosure)
• One or two front and rear wheels (no more than 430mm in diameter) placed along a longitudinal axis
• One or more electric motors powered by batteries, with a continuous power output rating not exceeding 500 watts
• Weight not exceeding 45 kg, including motors and batteries

• Maximum speed capability of 25 km/h on a clean, paved and level surface
• A braking system that can stop the device travelling at maximum speed within 7.5 meters. The motor must also stop when the accelerator is released or brakes applied
• A bell or horn that must be sounded when passing pedestrians and other road users
• Front and rear lights that must be turned on between sunset and sunrise (lights may also be worn by the operator)

Must be 16 or older 

You must be 16 or older to ride an electric kick scooter. Parents and guardians must not allow children under 16 to ride an electric kick scooter.

Sidewalks and crosswalks 

You cannot ride an electric kick scooter on sidewalks or in crosswalks, except if a sign or traffic control device allows electric kick scooters on sidewalks or in crosswalks.

Use bell or horn 

Sound a bell or horn whenever approaching or passing a pedestrian, cyclist or person using another device.

Ride single file 

You must not ride beside another person operating a cycle or electric kick scooter, except to pass.

Safety helmet 

Wear an approved safety helmet whenever riding an electric kick scooter.

Single use 

You must not carry any passengers, or tow people or devices.

Use turn signals 

Indicate whenever you are turning by using standard hand signals or lighted turn signals if your device has them.

Do not ride impaired or distracted 

It's illegal to ride while you're impaired by alcohol or drugs or using a mobile phone or other electronic devices.

"Hook" turns 

To turn left at an intersection, pass straight through the intersection staying as far right as possible, then stop and turn left 90-degrees. Go forward when directed by any traffic signals, signs or other traffic control devices. You can also dismount and walk through an intersection as a pedestrian.

Same rights and duties as drivers 

You have the same rights and duties of drivers of a vehicle under Part 3 of the Motor Vehicle Act. This means you must follow general rules of the road and obey traffic control devices that apply to drivers.