Electric Kick Scooters

In June 2024, the Township of Langley joined the BC Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project. This means that legal electric kick scooters are now permitted on Township roads, in accordance with the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation.

In order to use an electric kick scooter anywhere in BC, you must be at least 16 years of age and be wearing a helmet. Electric kick scooter operators must obey any signs and traffic control devices.

Electric kick scooters are a clean and relatively affordable mode of transportation, when compared with motor vehicles. They have been growing in popularity and have been shown, in other jurisdictions, to be a popular alternative for short trips that may have otherwise required a vehicle.

What is a legal electric kick scooter?

In BC, a legal electric kick scooter must meet certain requirements. Operating an electric kick scooter that does not meet the following requirements may result in a violation ticket and fine from police.

• 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).

Where can a legal electric kick scooter be operated?

In the Township and in other participating BC communities, electric kick scooters are permitted on roadways as follows, unless otherwise directed by a traffic control device:

• On roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less, electric kick scooters must use a designated cycling lane if one is available or stay as far right as practicable.
• On roads with a speed limit above 50km/h, electric kick scooters can only operate in a designated cycling lane.
• Electric kick scooter operators must obey any signs and traffic control devices.

Important safety information for electric kick scooters

In order to use an electric kick scooter anywhere in BC, you must be at least 16 years of age and be wearing a helmet. 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 full list of safety rules for operators as well as tips for getting started with your electric kick scooter can be found on the B.C Government website under Electric Kick Scooter Safety and Rules.

Learn More

To learn more about the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project and how participating communities are helping to gather information to inform if and how electric kick scooters should be authorized for permanent use in the province, visit the BC Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project website.