Operating your electric kick scooter safely: know the rules
Last updated on April 24, 2024
A pilot project is underway to test the use of electric kick scooters in participating B.C. communities. To operate an electric kick scooter, you must follow the rules in the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation and any set by a participating community.
You do not need a licence or insurance to operate an electric kick scooter but you must be at least 16 years old.
On this page:
- Where you can ride an electric kick scooter
- What types of electric kick scooter are allowed
- Safety rules you must follow
- Tips on getting started
- Contact
Where you can ride an electric kick scooter
You can operate an electric kick scooter in participating communities. You must also follow any rules set by the local government of the participating community.
The following are current participating communities (starting April 5, 2024, unless otherwise noted):
-
City of Chilliwack
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City of Coquitlam
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City of Cranbrook
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City of Kelowna
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City of Langford
-
City of North Vancouver
(starting April 10, 2024) -
City of Penticton
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City of Richmond
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City of Vancouver
-
City of Vernon
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City of Victoria
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District of Saanich
-
District of North Vancouver
(starting April 10, 2024) -
District of Oak Bay
(starting April 24, 2024) -
Town of Oliver
-
Town of Osoyoos
-
Town of View Royal
(starting April 24, 2024) -
Township of Esquimalt
(starting April 24, 2024)
Participating communities may have bylaws setting criteria for electric kick scooter use. Check with your municipality to understand what rules apply in your community.
Road rules for electric kick scooters
50 km/h or less
If the road has a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, you must use a designated cycling lane if one is available or stay as far right as practicable unless directed elsewhere by a traffic control device.
Above 50 km/h
If the road has a speed limit above 50 km/h, you can only use an electric kick scooter in a designated cycling lane.
Signs and signals
You must obey any signs or other traffic control devices indicating where electric kick scooters may or may not be used.
An electric kick scooter must meet certain requirements or it may be illegal and result in a violation ticket and fine from police.
Make sure any 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).
Safety rules you must follow
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: a person under 16 cannot ride an electric kick scooter, nor can their parent or guardian knowingly permit it.
Safety helmet required: you must always wear an approved safety helmet whenever riding an electric kick scooter.
Sidewalk and crosswalk use: 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.
Slow down around pedestrians (e.g. on walkway or path): you must not travel at a faster speed than pedestrians, except to pass (which requires you to use a bell or horn).
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: you must 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, you must pass straight through an intersection staying as far right as practicable then stop and turn left 90-degrees, before proceeding forward as 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.
Do not use while impaired or distracted: it is illegal to operate 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 an injury to yourself or others.
Read the instructions for your device: start by reading the user manual and learn how to use your electric kick scooter. If you are renting, follow the instructions provided by the rental company.
Practice your riding skills: practice in a safe environment to safely control and operate your electric kick scooter. Make sure you're comfortable doing things like stopping, dismounting and using turn signals before going on the road.
Be mindful of your surroundings: pay attention to any hazards and other people around you when riding an electric kick scooter, especially at intersections and whenever around pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Starting June 3, 2024, electric kick scooter riders (along with cyclists and other vulnerable road users) have new protections under B.C.'s new vulnerable road user law which require drivers to always drive safely and give space when passing.
Contact us
Contact us if you have questions 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 riding your electric kick-scooter in your community.