E-scooters provide an environmentally-sensitive and cost-effective transportation option for getting around the City of North Vancouver and North Shore.
The City’s Mobility Strategy includes actions to improve access to micromobility, such as e-scooters, for everyone.
Where Can E-Scooters Go in the City?
You can ride an e-scooter on all City roads with a speed limit of 50km/hr or less, and those with cycling infrastructure (mobility lanes or multi-use pathways such as the Spirit Trail or Green Necklace). On roads where the speed limit is over 50km/hr, you can ride only if cycling is allowed (i.e., look for signage or cycling infrastructure).
Tips
- Where possible, please prioritize riding on designated cycling infrastructure such as mobility lanes and multi-use pathways.
- Riding is not permitted on sidewalks or in crosswalks. Dismount and use these as a pedestrian.
- Permitted riding areas are shown on the North Shore Bike Map (PDF).
Before You Take Your E-scooter Out
E-scooter bylaws and regulations carry fines under the Motor Vehicle Act and are enforced by the RCMP. Failing to comply with the following requirements could result in a violation ticket and fine. For more information about the safety rules you must follow, please visit the Provincial e-scooter pilot website.
E-scooter riders must:
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Wear a safety helmet
- Not use an e-scooter while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Use a bell or horn when passing other riders or pedestrians
- Indicate when they are turning
- Ride single-file
- Not tow or carry another person or device
- Use “hook turns” to turn left at an intersection. To hook turn, stay as right as possible while passing straight through the intersection, then stop and turn directly left by 90 degrees. Await direction from traffic signals or signs before going forward. Dismount and walk through the intersection like a pedestrian when a hook turn is unsafe or not practical.
E-scooter devices must:
- Have a standing platform between the front and rear wheels and a steering handlebar that acts directly on the front wheel(s) of the device
- Have a maximum speed of 25 km/h, slowing down to safely pass pedestrians and other road users
- Have a motor power output that does not exceed 500W
- Be equipped with an adequate braking system, stopping the device within 7.5 meters
- Have a bell or horn
- Have front and rear lights turned on between sunset and sunrise (lights may also be worn by the rider)
- Not be equipped with a seat, pedals, or structure enclosing
- Not exceed 45kg, including motors and batteries
Riding Safety Tips
Know your scooter
- Get to know your e-scooter, including how to safely stop, signal, and manage your speed
- Practice signaling one-handed or choose an e-scooter with turn signals
- E-scooter wheels are smaller than bike wheels. Be extra careful in the wet, and on uneven surfaces like storm drains, ramps, unpaved paths and potholes
Prepare for your ride
- Check your e-scooter’s brakes, bell, and lights before every ride
- Use your lights to stay visible at any time of day
Plan your route and ride in the correct direction
- Some cycling infrastructure is one-way and may require crossing the street to ensure you are riding in the correct direction
- Use designated cycling routes and local streets when possible
Go slow
- E-scooters are required to have a 25 km/hr speed limit to match the speed of bikes and lower injury risk
- Slow down in crowded paths and places where many people walk, like the Spirit Trail or shared plazas
Pass with care
- E-scooters are quiet, so take care when passing people by leaving space and using your bell
- Take care when passing parked cars by leaving space to account for car doors opening unexpectedly
Walk devices on sidewalks
- Riding on sidewalks is not allowed. It is unsafe and can startle walkers and is unsafe, so always walk your scooter on sidewalks to show respect to others
Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project
The City is participating in the provincial Electric Kick Scooter (e-scooter) Pilot Project, along with neighbouring municipalities on the North Shore and in Metro Vancouver. The pilot was first approved by Council in March 2022. It was renewed by the province in 2024 and is currently planned to continue until April 2028. The pilot program allows privately-owned e-scooters to be used in mobility lanes, multi-use pathways and roads with a speed limit of 50km/hr or less within the City.
Contact the Province if you have questions or comments about the electric kick scooter pilot project.
Provincial E-Scooter Pilot Project
Email: mva.pilot.project@gov.bc.ca.