Electric kick scooter rules and safety
Last updated on June 5, 2025
Some communities in B.C. are testing the use of electric kick scooters on public roads.
Electric kick scooter riders must follow the rules in the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation and any rules set by a participating community.
Some communities in B.C. are participating in a pilot project to test electric kick scooter use on public roads. 
You must be at least 16 years old to ride an electric kick scooter. You do not need a licence or insurance.
On this page:
- Where you can ride
- What type of electric kick scooter is allowed
- Road rules
- Safety rules you must follow
- Tips on getting started
- Contact
Where you can ride
You can ride an electric kick scooter on public roads in participating communities, subject to any rules set by the municipality.
You cannot ride an electric kick scooter on public roads in a municipality that is not a participating community. Limited use is allowed in areas outside of municipal boundaries.
Contact your local government if you have questions about riding an electric kick-scooter in your community.
Participating communities and pilot project start date
Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley
City of Chilliwack
Apr 5, 2024
City of Coquitlam
Apr 5, 2024
City of North Vancouver
Apr 10, 2025
City of Port Moody
May 31, 2024
City of Richmond
Apr 5, 2024
City of Vancouver
Apr 5, 2024
District of North Vancouver
Apr 10, 2024
District of Squamish
June 5, 2025
District of West Vancouver
July 12, 2024
Township of Langley
June 26, 2024
Southern / Interior
City of Cranbrook
Apr 5, 2024
City of Kamloops
Dec 12, 2024
City of Kelowna
Apr 5, 2024
City of Penticton
Apr 5, 2024
City of Vernon
Apr 5, 2024
Town of Oliver
Apr 5, 2024
Town of Osoyoos
Apr 5, 2024
Vancouver Island and North Coast
City of Colwood
Apr 5, 2024
City of Langford
Apr 5, 2024
City of Nanaimo
March 7, 2024
City of Victoria
Apr 5, 2024
District of Central Saanich
May 14, 2024
District of Saanich
Apr 5, 2024
District of Oak Bay
Apr 5, 2024
Town of Sidney
May 14, 2024
Town of View Royal
Apr 24, 2024
Township of Esquimalt
Apr 24, 2024
Other areas where you may ride
You can ride an electric kick scooter on certain highways outside of municipal boundaries (e.g., in electoral areas).
The following rules apply:
- The highway must not be located within municipal boundaries nor be covered by the 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
Read all the rules for electric kick scooter use in these areas in Part 3 — Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation.
What types of electric kick scooters are allowed?
An electric kick scooter must meet certain requirements. You could get a violation ticket and fine from police for riding a device that is not legal.
Make sure any electric kick scooter device you are thinking of buying or renting has all of the following.
Handlebars for steering with a platform in the middle for standing (cannot have a seat/sitting surface or enclosure)
One or two front wheels and one or two 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).
Road rules for electric kick scooters
50 km/h or less
Use a designated cycling lane if there is one or stay as far right as you safely can unless directed elsewhere by a traffic control device.
Above 50 km/h
You may only use an electric kick scooter in a designated cycling lane. You may not ride on the road or the shoulder of the highway.
Signs and signals
You must obey any signs or traffic control devices indicating where you can ride an electric kick scooters.
You must obey provincial rules when operating an electric kick scooter. Participating communities may also set rules where you can ride an electric kick scooter. Check with your municipality to understand what rules apply to you.
Must be 16 or older
You must be 16 years old, or older to ride an electric kick scooter. Parents and guardians must not allow children under the age of 16 ride an electric kick scooter.
Safety helmet
Wear an approved safety helmet whenever riding 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.
Single use
You must not carry any passengers, tow people or devices.
Ride single file
You must not ride beside another person operating a cycle or electric kick scooter, except to pass.
Use turn signals
Indicate whenever you are turning by using standard hand signals or lighted turn signals if your device has them.
“Hook” left turns
To turn left at an intersection, pass straight through the intersection staying as far right as practicable, then stop and turn left 90-degrees. Go forward when directed by any traffic signals, signs or other traffic control devices. If a hook turn is unsafe or impracticable, you can always dismount and walk through an intersection like a pedestrian. [CHECK]
Do not ride impaired or distracted
It is illegal to ride an electric kick scooter while impaired by alcohol or drugs or when using a cellphone or other electronic device.
These rules are the law. You may receive a $109 fine, have your device impounded or face other penalties of up to $2,000 if you don't follow these safety rules.
Tips on getting started
Understand the rules
Make sure you know the rules before using, buying or renting an electric kick scooter. Breaking the law can result in a violation ticket and fine, or injury to yourself or others.
Read the instructions
Start by reading the user manual and learn how to use your electric kick scooter. If you are renting, follow the rental company's instructions.
Practice your skills
Practice controlling and riding your electric kick scooter in a safe environment. Make sure you're comfortable doing things like stopping, dismounting and using turn signals before going on the road.
Contact
Contact us if you have questions or comments about the electric kick scooter pilot project.
Local governments can continue to join the new pilot project after April 5, 2024. Please contact us for further information and onboarding help.
Email: MVA.Pilot.Project@gov.bc.ca
Contact your local government if you have questions about your community joining the pilot project or about any municipal rules for riding your an electric kick-scooter in your community.