E-Scooter
Coquitlam Announces E-Mobility Share Providers
Coquitlam is making it easier to access sustainable transportation in the City Centre neighbourhood with the approval of two shared-service providers for both e-scooters and e-bikes.
- May 5, 2023 - RTC Council-in-Committee, Award of Shared E-Mobility Pilot Provider Services
Coquitlam issued a request for proposals in March for both e-scooter and e-bike share providers, seeking up to two contracts in order to increase consumer choice, competition and resiliency. The selected applicants are Lime Technology Inc. and Neuron Mobility (Canada) Limited.
Pending final contract negotiation this month, contractors will be allowed to design, implement, own, operate, maintain and manage publicly-accessible dockless (i.e. not tied to a specific docking location) e-scooter and e-bike sharing systems for 18 months.
A Sustainable Transportation Option
In support of the City’s sustainability and micromobility goals, earlier this year Coquitlam completed a series of bylaw amendments that allow people age 16 and up to use e-scooters in designated areas joining 11 other B.C. communities in a provincial government pilot project to research, test and evaluate the use of e-scooters as a low-carbon transportation option. The E-Mobility Strategy, currently under development as part of the Strategic Transportation Plan update, will focus the City’s priorities for e-mobility policy and program development.
The goals of the E-Mobility Strategy are to increase both electric vehicle and e-micromobility adoption, to increase transportation choices and shared vehicle use and reduce reliance on private vehicles. These types of transportation modes will be an important part of achieving the proposed goals of the City’s Strategic Transportation Plan including 50 per cent sustainable mode share by 2050 and zero transportation GHG emissions.
City staff are also working with HUB Cycling to lead at least three in-person community micromobility education workshops with both contractors in attendance providing devices and helmets for attendees. More details to come when the contracts with the share providers are finalized.
E-Scooter Pilot: January 2023 - April 2024
Coquitlam has launched an e-scooter pilot project as part of our continuing work to reduce carbon emissions in the community.
What is an E-Scooter?
E-scooters are electrically powered kick scooters that are suited to short urban trips. 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. E-scooters in BC may have two to four wheels.
The full legal definition of an e-scooter and additional information can be found on the Province’s pilot project webpage.
E-Scooter Requirements
An electric kick scooter must be equipped with:
- A braking system that meets the minimum requirements for stopping
- Wheels that are no more than 430mm in diameter
- A bell or horn
- A white or amber light on the front of the device when operated between sunset and sunrise.
- If the device is not equipped with a light an operator may carry or wear a light on their person when operating the device
- The device must not have a seat or a surface structure that can be used as a seat, pedals or a structure enclosing it.
Safe E-Scooter Use
- E-scooter riders must be at least age 16 but do not require a driver’s licence
- Riders must wear a helmet, have a bell and lights on their device and never carry or tow passengers
- Riders must not exceed 24 km/hour
Where Can I Ride?
- E-scooters can generally go wherever bicycles are allowed, including multi-use paths (MUPs), designated bike or micromobility lanes (i.e. lanes or areas on roadways specifically designated for bikes/e-bikes and scooters/e-scooters).
- Generally, e-scooter riders on Coquitlam streets should follow the same rules and regulations as cyclists.
- Engineering and Parks staff are working together to determine MUPs and slow speed zones within parks and plazas.
Restrictions include:
- No riding on roads with 50-plus km/hour speeds unless in micromobility lanes or MUPs;
- No riding on sidewalks or on park trails or pathways unless permitted by signs or pavement markings;
- Riding as close to the right as possible on streets with no MUP; and
- Travelling a maximum of 24 km/hour.
The pilot does not cover other micromobility devices such as electric skateboards, unicycles or hoverboards.
Background - A Sustainable Transportation Option
Coquitlam joins 11 other B.C. communities in a provincial government pilot project regulated through B.C. Reg. 90/2021 to research, test and evaluate the use of e-scooters as a low-carbon transportation option.
The pilot will be in effect from April 2021 to April 2024, providing an opportunity to research, test, and evaluate the safety and operation of e-scooters in an effort to expand sustainable transportation options.
E-scooters and other electric micromobility devices are becoming more popular as a less expensive and convenient form of active transportation, well suited to urban areas and around transit hubs.
Expanding the use of micromobility devices dovetails with the City’s climate mitigation efforts, which include encouraging transportation forms that are healthier and produce fewer emissions.
This will support citywide strategic goals of ensuring a healthy community and active citizens within a sustainable environment. Expanded and improved options for low or zero emission transportation modes also deliver sustainable services, environment and infrastructure, which is one of the key goals in the city's Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP).
The pilot framework also involves actively reviewing community feedback and adjusting as needed.
Coquitlam’s Updated Strategic Transportation Plan
The City adopted the current STP in 2012. Since then the City has made progress in increasing sustainable transportation in Coquitlam such as walking, cycling and public transit. There have also been significant changes in transportation over the last ten years, including the addition of SkyTrain, consideration of different kinds of street users, and emerging technologies to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.
A new STP will provide a refreshed long-term vision for Coquitlam’s transportation network with a focus on prioritizing key actions and policy changes for the next 10 years. It will also align with other City plans such as the recently-adopted Environmental Sustainability Plan and the Economic Development Strategy in development, while also applying the City’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Learn more at coquitlam.ca/transportationplan.
Next Steps
Coquitlam approved two shared-service providers for both e-scooters and e-bikes.