After extensive research and engagement, Council has approved the City joining the provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project, as a way to expand active transportation opportunities that support Council’s strategic goals on mobility and climate action.
Electric kick scooters are a transportation option for those with limited mobility, limited income, or without a driver’s licence. Electric kick scooters offer a clean transportation option that can reduce reliance on motor vehicles and provide an important link to transit and other modes of transportation.
By participating in this pilot, the City has the flexibility to permit both private (owned by an individual) and shared (short-term rental service) electric kick scooter use in Kamloops.
Rules and Regulations
As a participating pilot community, electric kick scooters will now be permitted for use in Kamloops in accordance with the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation in the Motor Vehicle Act, as summarized below:
- 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. - 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.
The Motor Vehicle Act has other requirements to promote rider and community safety, including:
- Riders must be 16 or older (parent/guardian cannot knowingly permit a person under 16).
- Safety helmets are required whenever riding an electric kick scooter.
- Bells or horns should be used when approaching or passing pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
- Electric kick scooters are single use, and riders must not carry passengers or tow people or devices.
- Riders should ride single file, except to pass.
- Turn signals (hand or lighted turn signals) should be used.
- Front and rear lights must be turned on between sunset and sunrise (the operator may also wear lights).
- Riders should not use electric kick scooters while impaired or distracted
An electric kick scooter must meet specified criteria, as summarized below:
- is designed to be solely self-propelled or self-propelled with the capability to be propelled by human power.
- has two to four wheels, a platform for standing, and handlebars for steering.
- is designed to transport one person.
- does not have pedals, a seat, or a structure that encloses the electric kick scooter.
Electric kick scooters must also have the following:
- one or more electric motors powered by batteries with a continuous power output rating not exceeding 500 watts.
- a weight not exceeding 45 kg, including motors and batteries.
- a 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 of the point at which the brakes are applied.
- a motor that ceases to propel the electric kick scooter forward when the operator releases the accelerator or applies the brakes.
- a bell or horn.
- front and rear lights.