E-Scooter

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.
  1. Safe E-Scooter Use
  2. Background
  3. Updated Strategic Transportation Plan

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.


Next Steps

The City has launched a process to seek an e-bike and e-scooter sharing provider, with the service anticipated to launch by summer 2023. 

Shared E-Bike and E-Scooter Pilot Program - RFP 23-027

E-scooter sharing is an important part of making micromobility options more accessible within the community and helping to reduce short-trip car use. It can also help remove barriers for people combining micromobility with transit.

Documents and Links

Reports To Council

Province of BC