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;

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.

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 has no active resolutions directly related to this issue.