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Preamble:
WHEREAS e-scooters and miniature personal electric vehicles are sold and readily available, but currently may only be legally used on private property that is not classified as a highway unless an exemption is in place; and
WHEREAS under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and its regulations, “highways” include sidewalks and any areas, public or private, typically accessible for vehicle passage or parking; and
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta has the authority to modify the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and its regulations to establish province wide regulations and requirements that apply to e-scooters and miniature personal electric vehicles; and
WHEREAS shared-use e-scooter vendors can already operate shared-used programs that allow customers to rent and ride e-scooters by applying for an exemption permit under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act; and
WHEREAS this option is unavailable to the general public; and
WHEREAS a lack of consistent province-wide regulation of e-scooters and miniature personal electric vehicles has caused the development of varied approaches across municipalities that may serve to confuse the public about acceptable use of e-scooters;
Operative Clause:
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate to the Government of Alberta to engage with municipalities and the public to develop consistent province-wide regulations relating to the operation and personal use of e-scooters and miniature personal electric vehicles.
Member Background:
Strathcona County is requesting an opportunity to support local citizens and economy through the review and acceptance of certain prohibited personal miniature vehicles, such as electric scooters, electric skateboards, personal transporters such as Segways, hoverboards, and monowheels. Currently, private companies have acquired exemptions to operate rental businesses in several municipalities to facilitate the use of electric scooters under specific parameters.
In recognition of the readily available purchase of these various devices, municipalities and police are experiencing challenges in accommodating a growing demand for this technology. While certainly more of an urban focused issue, the issues remain for rural municipalities, even if to a smaller degree. As municipalities seek green, safe, and cost-effective alternative modes of travel, the acceptance and regulation of such devices will be a valuable and progressive step forward. Given that this review would impact the entire province, RMA, representing Alberta’s rural municipalities, is a natural conduit to lobby the respective government for support on this initiative.
RMA Background:
RMA has no active resolutions directly related to this issue.
TEC supports emerging technologies as alternative and sustainable means of transportation, while remaining committed to improving safety for all road users on provincial roadways. At the same time, TEC recognizes Alberta’s legislation on micromobility (miniature personal electric vehicles, such as electric scooters, pocketbikes, golf carts, motorized skateboards, go-carts, and personal transporter vehicles) requires updating to address new technology and public demand.
Continuous collaboration with municipalities will be key to developing a permanent framework for micromobility. As you are aware, since 2019, TEC has been working with larger municipalities on a pilot project to enable the limited use of e-scooters. The department is reviewing the pilot, as well as legislation and regulations regarding the use of all micromobility vehicles. We are aiming to share findings of this review in fall 2024.
Development:
RMA appreciates the Ministry’s recognition of the need for collaboration with municipalities on updating legislation. The ongoing review of the aforementioned pilot project is a promising start to updating legislation and achieving the desired outcome of this resolution, and RMA will review the report that they are releasing this fall. However, as no engagement with rural communities has been organized, the RMA assigns this resolution a status of Intent Not Met.
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