Micromobility

Why is the City focusing on e-scooters now?  We are seeing more use of e-scooters, especially among youth, along with unsafe riding and collisions. Many people do not realize the rules are different depending on the device. Our first step is education, but enforcement is necessary when riders are putting themselves or others at risk. 

Are e-scooters illegal in Maple Ridge? In Maple Ridge, e-scooters are not permitted on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, sports fields or multi-use paths along roads. Maple Ridge is not part of B.C.’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project, which is the mechanism that allows e-scooter use in participating communities. 

Is the City banning e-scooters? The City is not introducing a new local ban. The restrictions reflect current provincial and municipal regulations. Maple Ridge is not part of the provincial pilot project.  

Are other municipalities allowing e-scooters? Some municipalities are participating in the provincial pilot project. Maple Ridge is not currently one of them, so the rules here are different. 

Why can’t residents ride e-scooters on bike lanes or trails like other municipalities? Under current legislation, e-scooters are not permitted on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes or multi-use trails. The City is monitoring the results of the provincial pilot program to inform future decisions. Future participation would require review of the provincial pilot, operational implications, infrastructure readiness, enforcement considerations and community impacts. 

Is there anywhere e-scooters are allowed in Maple Ridge? E-scooters may only be used in specific park areas where permitted, but they cannot be ridden on roads or sidewalks to access those areas. 

Why is Maple Ridge not part of the pilot project? The City is monitoring the results of the pilot program to inform future decisions. The City’s focus is on safety, education and compliance with the current rules. Future participation would require review of the provincial pilot, operational implications, infrastructure readiness, enforcement considerations and community impacts. 

Does the education campaign target young people? The campaign is focused on safety and public awareness. Youth are an important audience because use is increasing in that group, but the messaging is also directed at parents and guardians so they understand the rules before buying or allowing use of these devices. 

Why are parents being targeted? Parents are often purchasing these devices and may not realize different rules apply depending on the vehicle. Helping parents understand the law before purchasing a device can prevent injuries and avoid enforcement. 

What should parents know before buying one of these devices? Parents should confirm how the device is classified under provincial law before purchasing it. Devices may look similar but be subject to very different rules. They should check where it can legally be ridden, the rider age requirement, helmet rules, and whether it requires licensing, registration or insurance. 

What kind of enforcement will happen? RCMP Officers will continue to use education where appropriate, but enforcement may include violation tickets and other action where riders are operating illegally or unsafely. Examples of penalties include: 

• $29 for not wearing a bicycle helmet 
• $109 for many e-bike and e-scooter offences 
• $276 for operating certain devices without a licence 
• $598 for operating certain devices without required insurance 

Can police or bylaw seize the device? Riders operating prohibited devices in prohibited places may face enforcement action, including tickets and, in some circumstances, seizure if there is non-compliance. 

Why not focus only on education and skip tickets? Education is our first approach, but education alone is not always enough when unsafe or illegal riding creates a risk of injury. Enforcement helps reinforce the rules and protect public safety. 

What is the role of the RCMP vs Bylaw Services? The City and RCMP are working together on education and enforcement. RCMP officers will continue enforcing the Motor Vehicle Act and other applicable provincial legislation. Bylaw Services will respond to complaints involving municipal bylaws which prohibit riding on sports fields, parks and other City property where applicable. 

Fines under provincial regulations include: 

• $29 for not wearing a bicycle helmet 
• $109 for many e-bike and e-scooter offences 
• $276 for operating certain devices without a license 
• $598 for operating certain devices without required insurance. 

Bylaw officers will also educate riders and enforce park rules in City parks. Fines may include: 

• $150 for riding on paths marked for pedestrians only 
• $200 for ignoring posted signs or signals 
• $150 for riding on boulevards, grass or other areas not meant for vehicles 
• $250 for speeding in parks 

Are cars not more dangerous than scooters? Road safety requires a range of measures for all users. This campaign responds to a specific increase in illegal and unsafe e-scooter use and preventable incidents involving young riders. The City and RCMP are addressing the issue that is in front of us while continuing broader road safety work. 

Who is responsible if there is a collision?  Responsibility depends on the facts of the incident and would be determined by police, insurers and, if necessary, the courts. Parents and guardians are responsible for making sure youth are riding legally and safely, and in some cases may face penalties for allowing underage or unlawful use. 

 

Are e-bikes still allowed? E-bikes remain legal where bicycles are permitted, provided riders follow provincial regulations, including helmet and age requirements. 

Why are e-bikes allowed but e-scooters are not? E-micromobility devices are classified differently under provincial legislation. E-bikes are generally permitted where bicycles are allowed, subject to the rules that apply to e-bikes. E-scooters are governed under a separate provincial framework and can only be used in participating pilot communities. 

Why is the City talking about electric dirt bikes? Many residents mistakenly believe all electric two-wheeled vehicles are e-bikes. Electric dirt bikes and similar high-powered vehicles are subject to different legal requirements. The campaign is intended to help residents understand those differences. 

What about Surrons or e-dirt bikes? Many e-dirt bikes are not considered e-bikes under provincial legislation. Most cannot legally be ridden on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes or trails. Depending on the vehicle, registration, insurance and a driver’s licence may be required, or the vehicle may only be permitted for off-road use. Residents should confirm how their vehicle is classified before riding. 

Isn’t this inconsistent with the City’s climate goals or active transportation?  The City is committed to climate action and alternative ways for residents to get around. At the same time, we have to work within the current provincial rules and make safety the priority. If e-scooter use is considered more broadly in future, it would require further review of safety, infrastructure, enforcement and community impacts. 

Why doesn’t it allow companies like Lime to operate in Maple Ridge?  Maple Ridge is not currently part of the provincial e-scooter pilot, so the framework is not in place for shared e-scooter companies like Lime to operate here. Any future consideration would require further review of safety, accessibility, enforcement and local infrastructure.