An Update on E-Mobility

The message from my office on e-mobility in Calgary is simple: most private electric mobility devices being used in Calgary are not legal for use in public spaces. This includes private e-scooters and electric dirt bikes. 

I know there is a great deal of confusion on this issue. My office has received many emails, I shared a public notice in May, and I recently spoke with LiveWire about the growing concerns we are hearing from residents. I also see the ongoing conversations online. For clarity, I want to keep the rules and the message simple.

At this time, the only permitted forms of elecronic micro-mobility in Calgary are:

• Regulated e-bikes with pedals, which must follow all standard cycling rules, including pathway speed limits and mandatory helmet use.
• Approved shared e-scooters operated by licensed companies, which are speed-controlled, registered, and insured under the City’s pilot program.
• Power-wheelchairs

All other electric mobility devices are not legal for public use. That includes privately owned e-scooters and electric dirt bikes. There are no exceptions under current bylaws or provincial regulations.

If you witness the use of these illegal devices, you are encouraged to report it through the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line (403-266-1234). While response times may not always allow officers to intervene in the moment, reporting helps build an accurate picture of where issues are occurring and supports future enforcement and policy decisions. One offence reported and caught has the ability to curb commuity sentiment. 

Since our last update in May,

our office has continued to hear from many residents about the growing use of illegal e-mobility devices in Calgary, and we appreciate people taking the time to share their concerns.

We have been meeting with key partners, including AMA, the City’s Mobility Business Unit, and Calgary Police Service, to better understand the issues these devices are creating in our communities. Just this month, a woman died in Vancouver in an e-scooter collision, which is a sobering reminder that these devices carry real safety risks when they are used irresponsibly or outside the law.

The reality is simple: with the exception of traditional e-bikes with pedals and approved scooter rentals such as Lime and Neuron, most of these devices are being operated illegally. That is why our focus now must be on both public education and stronger enforcement. 

Many people do not realize these devices are not permitted, and that includes parents who may be buying them for their children and allowing them to be used in neighbourhoods, parks, and other public spaces. We need to make sure Calgarians understand that buying and using these devices does not make them legal.

At the same time, we recognize that CPS must balance many priorities, and these offences are not always treated as a high-priority emergency. Still, we believe there is room for stronger enforcement, and we are advocating for that approach here in Calgary.

Cllr Wyness also released a statement on this issue in May and was recently interviewed by LiveWire Calgary as part of the ongoing public conversation.

To Conclude,

Let us keep this message simple: Most private electric mobility devices being used in Calgary are not legal for use in public spaces, and reporting the situation as we witness it is essential to enforcement. Together we can ensure mobility on our streets again.

Further Reading:

• E-scooter riders urged to take safety seriously after woman without helmet dies, another is injured | CBC News
• Understanding the laws surrounding Micromobility | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Teen fined, e-dirt bike impounded over North Shore stunting
• Rule changes are being explored as e-scooter, power bike use jumps - LiveWire Calgary