In recent months, we’ve heard more from Metro Vancouver police agencies relating to e-scooter crashes.
That prompted the VPD Traffic Section to post some information about e-scooter rules and legalities.
Among those incidents, a 30-year-old woman died last month after crashing into a car on a scooter. She was not wearing a helmet.
In a separate incident, a 54-year-old woman crashed and broke her collarbone and also suffered a head injury.
VPD said that in both incidents, helmets would’ve greatly decreased the harm caused.
Vancouver e-scooter rules
There are certain requirements that e-scooters have to meet in Vancouver:
- Self-propelled (or self-propelled + human power)
- Max 500 watts motor output
- Max 40 kg (including the battery)
- Max speed of 25 km/h on level ground
- Standing platform, no seat
- No pedals
- Handlebar steering
- A bell or a horn
- Adequate brakes
- Lights during dark hours
- And of course, helmets required
The VPD also shared some information about where e-scooters can operate.
On highways of 50 km/h or less, e-scooters may operate in a cycle lane or as near as practicable to the right of the roadway.
On highways over 50 km/h, e-scooters have to be in the cycle lane or another portion of the highway only if permitted by a traffic control device.
One of the most commonly broken e-scooter rules is sidewalk riding. VPD says that e-scooters are prohibited on sidewalks, crosswalks (unless specifically permitted) and in locations prohibited by municipal law.
VPD adds that e-skateboards, electric unicycles, and hoverboards are not street legal.
The unexpected costs of owning an e-scooter
E-scooter and e-bike share services in Coquitlam City Centre. (City of Coquitlam)
Daily Hive spoke to Saeed from ProMechBC, which is a Vancouver-based electric scooter and e-bike repair shop.
We asked what advice he has for parents, as we see lots of kids riding around Metro Vancouver without safety gear.
“The first point parents should know is that riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an electric kick scooter on public roads under the B.C. pilot program,” he said.
He also said that the regulations suggest that a parent or guardian must not knowingly permit someone under 16 to operate a scooter on a public road.
“For riders who are old enough, a properly fitted and secured helmet is mandatory. For faster scooters or riding on private property, I would strongly recommend considering a full-face helmet, gloves, and protection for the knees and elbows.”
He also warns parents to avoid buying based on top speed and confirm that scooters meet local legal requirements.
“A scooter can look like a toy, but at 25 km/h it should be treated more like a road vehicle than a toy.”
Maintenance costs can vary for e-scooters, but at ProMechBC, scooter labour rates start at $79 per hour, “with parts added where necessary.”
Typical basic repairs usually take a couple of hours, while electric or more advanced problems can cost hundreds of dollars.
The most common problems ProMech sees are flat tires and damage caused by low tire pressure, worn brakes, loose bolts, corrosion, battery degradation and damaged charging ports.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that electric scooters are maintenance-free. They have fewer moving parts than cars, but their small wheels, compact frames, and exposure to vibration, water, potholes, and curb impacts mean regular safety checks are very important.”
Since ProMechBC began operating in 2020, they’ve had over 10,0000 severe-related form submissions and inquiries involving e-scooters and e-bikes.
In 2020 and 2021, Saeed says that e-scooters were still relatively niche. Now, he says there’s a much broader range of riders, including daily commuters, students, delivery workers and recreational riders.
“Adoption has moved faster than public understanding of the regulations. Many customers are surprised to learn that a scooter freely available for purchase online may not meet B.C.’s requirements for public-road use.”