E-Scooter Pilot Project

E-Scooter Pilot: January 2023 - April 2024

Coquitlam is one of eight communities to participate in the provincial 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.  People on e-scooters generally have the same rights, rules, and responsibilities as people cycling.  Additional information can be found on the Province’s pilot project webpage.

E-Mobility Device Workshop

Join us with Lime and HUB Cycling to learn how to safely and responsibly ride your e-scooter or e-bike in Coquitlam.

Bring your own e-bike, e-scooter and helmet. If you don’t have one, one can be provided for you to practice.

Shared Micromobility Pilot

Service Providers

We are 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, as part of the E-Scooter Pilot Project. The selected applicants are:

Both providers are responsible for parking issues, maintenance and the removal and relocation of shared devices. If you are a private property owner, you can contact the providers directly to discuss setting up micromobility service on your property.

Finding and Unlocking Shared E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Shared e-bikes and e-scooters use downloadable apps to allow you to find and unlock the device and then pay. You can rent an e-scooter or e-bike within the City Centre Neighbourhood as shown in the map below. The service area may incrementally expand. 



Shared Service Provider City Centre map

Where can I ride a shared e-scooter or e-bike?

  • Where cycling is allowed
  • On micromobility routes and shared multi-use pathways
  • Designated bike lanes

Where are shared e-scooters and e-bikes not permitted?

  • Sidewalks, except where signage allows
  • On roads where the posted speed limit is greater than 50 km/hr
  • Plazas
  • Public recreation amenities, such as skate parks and spray parks
  • Inside buildings

Do I need to wear a helmet?

  • Yes, it’s the law and reduces injuries. Helmets are provided with the shared e-mobility devices or you can bring your own.

Can I carry a passenger?

  • Only one rider per e-scooter is permitted – passengers are not allowed. Do not carry, tow, push or pull another person, device or object while using your E-scooter. 

Do I need a driver’s license to ride an e-scooter?

  • No, the Provincial regulations do not require a driver’s license to ride an e-scooter or e-bike.

Concerns and Complaints  

Who to Contact

Requests to move devices
Contact providers directly at the following. Include the device number and address:

If the issue has not been resolved within two business days, then contact us at epw@coquitlam.ca and provide a photo that shows the device number.

If you see someone riding an e-scooter improperly (e.g. without a helmet, on the sidewalk, doubling up, intoxicated, or under 16 years of age) 
Submit a Service Request for Roads and Traffic. Please include a photo, location, and time. Complaints submitted with a photo and location, time and date will be passed to the service provider who will can then warn or fine the rider. Of course, unsafe or intoxicated riding can also always be reported directly to law enforcement.

For general questions or feedback about the program
Please submit a Service Request for Roads and Traffic.

  1. Safe Riding
  2. City Bylaws
  3. Background
  4. Updated Strategic Transportation Plan

People riding e-scooters generally have the same rights, rules and responsibilities as people riding bikes but there are more specific restrictions with e-scooters.

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

Riders must:

  • Be 16 years old or older 
  • Have a bell and lights
  • Wear a helmet
  • Limit speed to 24 km/h for e-scooters and 32km/h for e-bikes
  • Ride alone
  • Not drink and ride: Use of shared e-scooters or e-bikes while intoxicated is illegal

Etiquette

  • Ride with care around pedestrians
  • Bell or yell - call out on your left or ring your bell before passing
  • Obey traffic signs and signals
  • Park responsibly and in designated areas
  • Park in a secure, upright position in designated areas, such as the furniture zone of the sidewalk, residential unrestricted on-street parking lanes and other areas that don't obstruct sidewalks, travel lanes, doorways, driveways, bike lanes, etc. 
  • On sidewalks without furniture zones, give at least 1.5 meters of clear space.

Where to Ride

  • Where cycling is allowed
  • On multi-use pathways
  • Designated bike lanes

Restrictions 

  • 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
  • Ride as close to the right as possible on streets with no MUP
  • Don't park in a way that will block or inhibit other sidewalk users, including those in wheelchairs who likely need more room to get by.
  • At transit stops, don't block the boarding zone, either at the front or the rear
  • Don't park on narrow sidewalks
  • Don't block curb letdowns
  • On pathways, park to the side of the pathway on the grass
  • Do not block doors, driveways, ramps, stairs, handrails, or other access points

Documents and Links

News

Reports To Council

Province of BC