E-scooters

E-scooters are an accessible and sustainable way to move around and explore Vancouver.

Download our latest bike map (6 MB) for recommended routes. Or, pick up a copy at your local library or community centre.

Find out where you can cycle, ride, and scoot

Where you can scoot

All city streets marked 50 km/hr or less
All greenways, bikeways, bike lanes, and protected cycle lanes
Seawall and park paths where bikes are allowed

Know the rules: How to scoot safely in Vancouver

Do

Be at least 16 or older*

Wear a helmet*

Walk your e-scooter on sidewalks

Make sure your brakes are working

Use bike lanes and cycle routes whenever possible

Reduce your speed on shared paths

Signal when turning

Use your bell when passing others

Turn on lights between sunset and sunrise

Watch for potholes and other bumps

Don't

Ride on sidewalks*

Exceed 25 km/hr*

Ride in a crosswalk*

Carry other passengers (one person per device)*

Drink and scoot*

Use your phone or any other device while riding*

* Violation of these rules may result in a ticket.

Safe and respectful riding tips
Know your device
- Before you ride, get to know your e-scooter, especially how to stop, signal, and control your speed.
- Practice signaling with one hand or choose a device with turn signals.
- E-scooters have smaller wheels than bikes. Be extra careful on uneven surfaces like storm drains, ramps, unpaved paths, and potholes, especially when it's wet.
Report potholes or other City infrastructure maintenance issues

Prep your ride
- Check your brakes, bell, and lights before you start riding to make sure they work.
- Use your lights to stay visible at any time of the day.
- E-scooters are quiet and others may not hear you approach. Remember to use your bell when you pass people.
Plan your route and ride in the correct direction
- For example, the Seawall around Stanley Park is a one-way loop that goes counterclockwise for 10 km. You can take shorter routes using internal roads if needed.
- Use designated cycling routes (20 MB) and local streets when possible. They're usually safer.
Take it slow
- E-scooters have a speed limit of 25 km/hr to lower the risk of injuries and to match the speed of bikes and other devices.
- Slow down in crowded paths and places where many people walk, like the seawall or shared plazas.
Pass with care
- Take care when passing people. Leave lots of space and use your bell.
- Take care when passing parked cars. Leave lots of space as doors might open unexpectedly.
Walk devices on sidewalks
- Don’t ride on sidewalks. It can startle walkers and is unsafe. Always walk your scooter on sidewalks to show respect to others.
Device requirements
The Province has requirements for electric kick scooters including:
- Motor speed not exceeding 25 km/hr
- Motor power output of no more than 500 watts
- Braking system required
- Lights mandatory for operation between sunset and sunrise
- Helmet use required
- Minimum age requirement of 16 years
Before purchasing a device, verify with your retailer that it meets the legal requirements for street use.

Enforcement and reporting

Electric kick scooters by-laws are enforced by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). To report the misuse of electric kick scooters, contact the VPD’s non-emergency hotline.

Excluded devices

Electric micro-mobility devices that do not meet the provincial definition of an electric scooter and not included in this pilot are:
- Hoverboards
- Segway PTs
- One-wheels
- Monowheels
- Other similar devices
Skateboarding, rollerblading, and scooters background
Electric kick scooter pilot program

The Province of BC extended the electric kick scooter pilot program until 2028. We are one of several municipalities participating in this pilot.

The pilot in Vancouver started in July 2021, following Council-approved changes to the by-laws.

Skateboarding, rollerblading, and push scooters in Vancouver

Skateboarding has been around since the 1950s and has constantly evolved into the variety of styles seen today. It, along with rollerblading and push scooters, has become an increasingly popular mode of active transportation in Vancouver for people of all ages and backgrounds.

In 2003, Council first allowed skateboarding, rollerblading, and push scooters on local streets. In 2015, they piloted an amendment to the Street and Traffic By-law to expand the approved locations for these devices. Council made this change permanent in 2017.

Today, skateboarding, rollerblading, and push scooters can be used on:
- Local streets
- Protected cycle lanes
- Shared paths where bikes are allowed
Our School Active Travel Planning program is piloting a low-barrier initiative with Chill Foundation for high school students to learn the basics of safe skateboarding. Several Vancouver organizations offer similar educational and encouragement programs.
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