Surrey councillor calls for province-wide e-scooter regulations

A Surrey councillor is calling for province-wide regulations governing the use of e-scooters in British Columbia.

Coun. Rob Stutt proposed developing a regulatory framework for e-scooter use during Monday’s council meeting. Citing safety concerns, he asked city staff to prepare a letter that will be sent by the mayor to the incoming provincial government.

Under current rules, e-scooters are prohibited on Surrey roads, parks and sidewalks. However, their use continues to grow in communities.

Stutt argued that instead of simply banning e-scooters, the province should provide municipalities with clear regulations and tools to establish consistent standards for their use, including speed limits, insurance requirements, safety standards and designated riding areas.

Several e-scooter-related crashes have been reported across Canada, including in B.C. Most recently, an 18-year-old was killed in an e-scooter crash in Kamloops.