Nov
23
2022
Kick-scooter Safety and Rules of the Road
Publication type:
Guidelines
Generally, the rules for cycling in Prince Edward Island apply to the use of an electric kick-scooter on Island roads and communities. Riding an electric kick-scooter is like riding on a low-speed motorcycle standing up, therefore safety is very important. Therefore, all rules of the road under the Highway Traffic Act apply when riding electric kick-scooters.
Learn how to safely operate an electric kick-scooter.
Safety Tips
- Know the rules: Be informed - It’s your responsibility.
- Wear a helmet: It’s one of the rules.
- Practice in a controlled environment: Remember when first learning to ride a bike? It takes time to learn how to safely balance and control an electric kick-scooter.
- Respect your environment and others: Pay attention to hazards and don’t be one.
Key user requirements
| You must be 16, or older | You must wear a helmet | You do not need to hold a driver's license |
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Know and Obey the Rules
- Fines. Breaking rules can be costly - fines can be up to $2,000.
- No alcohol or drugs. It is illegal to operate an electric kick-scooter while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Always wear a helmet. You may also want to wear additional protective gear such as elbow and knee pads designed for electric kick-scooters (or other active transportation activities).
- Ride alone. You must not transport any passengers. In addition, you must not tow another person, vehicle, cycle, or other device, including another electric kick-scooter, and you must not be towed.
- Ride single file. You must not operate the electric kick-scooter beside another person operating a cycle or electric kick scooter on the roadway.
- Be visible. You must use lights on your electric kick-scooter (or you can use a lighted lamp) between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.
- Wear reflective clothing. A reflective vest or a reflective tape is always a smart choice to increase your visibility to other road users.
- Use of hand signals: If the electric kick-scooter you are using is not equipped with lights to indicate a turn, you must use hand signals to indicate your direction.
- Parking: Park your device in areas designated by the community. You must not leave the device in a location intended for the movement of traffic.
- Where can I ride an electric kick-scooter? You can only operate an electric kick-scooter on a road or community street in accordance with provincial regulation and bylaws of the municipality.
Getting Started
- User manual. Read the user manual before operating your electric kick-scooter for the first time.
- Riding skills. Learn the skills needed to control and operate your electric kick-scooter safely.
- Short-term rentals. If short-term electric kick-scooter rentals are available in your community, make sure to follow all the instructions and complete any safety-related training as instructed by the respective rental company.
- Test ride. Beginners should consider practicing in a controlled environment (not on the road) and away from vehicles, other road users and obstacles. Test your electric kick-scooter’s brakes and lights prior to your ride. Remember it takes practice to get used to safely balancing, controlling and operating an electric kick-scooter. Maintain your electric kick scooter: As with a bicycle, don’t forget to inspect and maintain your electric kick-scooter (the steering handlebar, brakes, tires, lights etc.) on a regular basis to ensure it is in good working order.
Be Mindful of your Surroundings
- Be alert and focus on your environment. Do not use electronic devices, including headphones, while operating your electric kick-scooter.
- Be respectful of others around you. Remember, you must sound the bell or horn attached to your electric kick-scooter when passing a pedestrian.
- Be alert. Watch out for potential hazards. Watch out for potential hazards at intersections, when turning and at crosswalks, including vehicles and wet/slippery, changing, or uneven terrain.
Source: British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure: "Electric kick scooter safety and rules".