Chilliwack raises concerns over e-scooter safety awareness

CHILLIWACK — The City of Chilliwack is reminding parents that children must meet age requirements and follow safety rules before riding e-scooters, e-bikes and e-dirt bikes.

While a licence is not required to operate an e-scooter, riders are expected to follow regulations that are in place for safety.

“E-scooters and e-dirt bikes are a newer technology, and they’ve become popular very quickly, but people must follow the rules of use,” Mayor Ken Popove said in a statement. He said the city is aware of several accidents and near-misses involving children riding e-scooters. He’s worried someone is going to get hurt if residents don’t begin to respect the rules.

Chilliwack is participating in the B.C. electric kick scooter pilot project. Under the project, e-scooter riders must be at least 16-years-old, wear an approved helmet, have one person per scooter, and ride on multi-use paths, designated cycling lanes or as far right as safely possible on paved roadways where those options are not available.