E-scooters and E-bikes
What are E-scooters?
Electric kick-scooters (e-scooters) are electrically powered, micro-mobility alternatives to traditional automobile transportation. Here's what sets them apart:
- They have a standing platform between the front and rear wheels, and a steering handlebar that acts directly on the front wheel(s) of the device.
- They come in various configurations and may have two to four wheels to suit user preferences and riding styles
- In BC, e-scooters are regulated to ensure safety and the top speed is limited to 24 km/h
- They are distinct from mopeds or motorized wheelchairs
E-scooter Riders:
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Wear a helmet while riding.
- Follow all Provincial rules and City bylaws for operating an e-scooter.
E-scooter Pilot Project
The City is participating in the Province’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project. Effective July 27, 2021, community members are allowed to legally ride an e-scooter on some municipal streets and paved pathways shared with pedestrians as defined by regulations within the City’s Traffic Bylaw No. 5870 and Public Parks and School Grounds Regulation Bylaw No. 8771.
Read more about the City's pilot project and bylaw amendments: Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project
Safety & Rules - Provincial & Municipal
Provincial Rules
Generally, the rules of cycling in BC apply to the use of an E-scooter on a permitted road in a pilot community.
City Bylaws
City bylaws identify the conditions of where and how E-scooter users may operate in Richmond during the pilot project. E-scooters are permitted to operate only on the following routes:
- Streets with cycling facilities such as bike lanes.
- Local streets without cycling facilities, defined as a street without lanes lines or a directional dividing line and a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h or less.
- Streets without cycling facilities that have a directional dividing line and a maximum speed limit of 30 km/hour.
- Off-street paved pathways next to the roadway or in parks that are signed and marked for shared use with pedestrians.
E-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks or on unpaved trails. Maximum speeds are:
- 20 km/h on roadways
- 15 km/h on paved pathways shared with pedestrians
Unsafe riding behavior can be reported to the Richmond RCMP non-emergency telephone number 604-278-1212.
Fines for infractions range from $95 to $175.
City of Richmond Traffic Bylaw 5870
City of Richmond Public Parks and School Grounds Regulation Bylaw 8771
Shared E-scooter and E-bike Program
In spring 2021, the City issued a Request for Proposals for the creation and operation of a pilot public E-scooter share program. The contract was awarded to Lime Technology, Inc. and in May 2022, Lime launched its app-based program, bringing both E-scooters and E-bikes to Richmond. Lime requires riders to be a minimum of 18 years old.
Highlights of the Sharing Pilot
- Contributes to a future where transportation is shared, affordable and carbon-free.
- Regularly hosted in-person First Ride Academy training events that teach residents how to ride safely and park properly.
- Lime will program its app to limit the maximum speed of Richmond e-scooters to 12 km/hour for the first 3 rides.
- Helmets are provided with each e-scooter.
- Lime Access is an affordability program that provides discounted rides to those who qualify.