Image: Pixabay / E-scooters are pictured. The City of Chilliwack says it has agreed to participate in a provincial pilot program that will allow residents to operate electric scooters and similar vehicles. The program starts in April and will continue for four years.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

City of Chilliwack

City of Chilliwack agrees to participate in provincial program allowing e-scooters on public roads

Mar 18, 2024 | 8:45 AM

CHILLIWACK — The City of Chilliwack says it has agreed to participate in a provincial pilot program that will allow residents to operate electric scooters.

According to a document from city staff accompanying Mayor Ken Popove’s appearance on 89.5 JR Country last week, Chilliwack council agreed at its meeting on Tuesday, March 5 to sign on to the provincial government’s pilot project that allows e-scooters on public roads.

The program starts in April and will continue for four years.

“We know that lots of people here use e-scooters as a safe, environmentally friendly way to get around town, and we hope that this pilot helps people learn how to operate e-scooters safely,” Mayor Popove said.

The city of Chilliwack has clarified that the province establishes rules for e-scooters, not the municipality.

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Some of the province’s rules for electric kick scooters include:

* Riders must be 16 years or older.

* Maximum power of 500 watts and speed limit of 25km/h.

* A bell or horn and a good braking system.

* Front and rear lights that must be turned on when it’s dark.

* Helmets required for all riders.

* On roads with speed limits of 50km/h or less, riders must ride on the right side of the road or in a designated cycle lane.

* On roads with speed limits greater than 50km/h, riders may ride on the road only if there is a cycle lane.

According to a staff report from the Chilliwack council meeting held Tuesday, March 5, the RCMP can enforce violations on public roadways if enforcement is required.

The city clarified in its staff report that this provincial pilot program only applies to privately owned and rented e-scooters, not the shared e-scooters commonly found in bigger cities.

To learn more, visit chilliwack.com/scooter.