Electric kick scooters are illegal to ride in British Columbia, but two District of Saanich councillors are hoping to change that within their municipality.
Saanich councillors Zac de Vries and Colin Plant now want Saanich to be the second Island community in the pilot program. During a Sept. 20 council meeting, the two put forward a motion directing staff to consider joining a pilot program that would reverse those rules within the municipality. The illegal use of electric scooters is a surprise to some residents and even Coun. Plant. He says he purchased his e-scooter during the summer before learning that they were illegal.
The pilot launched in April 2021 and lasts until April 2024. Both councilors say within the communities involved in the program, it’s been a success.Sign up for our newsletter to get breaking news and daily digests sent to your email.“When I was visiting family in Kelowna and Vernon, I saw them everywhere. People were using them, it was great to see,” said Plant.
GOOD IDEA...USE THE ROADS. I'm tired of seeing mopeds on the sidewalks.
They had a chance to opt in to the trial cities program. They didn't. Anything with a wheel and a motor is defined as a motor vehicle by the motor vehicle act and the Canadian criminal code. They require insurance and a driver's licence. You also have to be sober.
So, what happens if you are scootering on the Goose through Saanich, then hit View Royal …does it turn illegal?
Wonder where they'll be allowed to legally travel. The ones I've seen are going too fast for multi-use trails. Would they be in with all traffic on the streets? In bike lanes? They're way too fast for those all ages and abilities bike lanes. Hope adequate thought goes into this
There should be a speed limit imposed. While we were walking on the new path on Dallas Rd. the same guy sped by us twice in five minutes going fairly quickly. If we had inadvertently stepped to one side or the other, we would have been hit.