As of Friday, April 5th, e-scooters will officially be street-legal in the City of Victoria.
This is happening because of a provincial pilot program aimed at increasing the viability of different methods of active transportation.
“E-kick scooters” will be considered legal as per the pilot program only if they are outfitted with a speed-limiter which is capped at 25 km/h.
Riders must also be at least 16-years-old and be wearing a helmet, according to the Province.
The City says that e-scooters may only be ridden if using the designated bike lanes when available and are not allowed to be on any sidewalks or pedestrian-only paths.
“This pilot project will give residents and visitors another clean, convenient and relatively affordable option for getting around Victoria,” a City of Victoria spokesperson wrote in a media release.
“By expanding opportunities for people to legally test and try e-kick scooters, the City can help reduce household transportation costs while continuing to support a shift toward sustainable travel modes.”
This pilot project will last four years before a reassessment is conducted. Victoria, Saanich and Langford all among the 13 municipalities participating.
It is yet to be determined whether a company such as Lime, an industry leader electric mobility sharing company, will be permitted to move into the city during this pilot project.
In other cities, many who use these e-scooter sharing methods of transportation oftentimes do not wear helmets, or have them provided, nor do they adhere to the ‘no riding on sidewalks’ rule.
