Kelowna RCMP ramping up education on E-Scooter use

Sep 15, 2023 | 3:37 PM

Police in Kelowna are ramping up education efforts related to e-scooter use.

Kelowna was chosen as one of eight cities to take part in the provincial three-year Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project in 2021, and since then the RCMP have dealt with some issues.

E-scooters are permitted on specific municipal streets and paved pathways, provided riders adhere to regulations outlined in the provincial Motor Vehicle Act and City bylaws.

However, not all riders have been following the rules, so the RCMP are actively engaging in educational efforts to remind people how to be safe and the rules of the road.

“E-scooters and e-bikes provide convenient options for transportation in Kelowna; however, ensuring everyone’s safety hinges on users’ knowledge, understanding, and adherence to the rules,” Constable Mike Della-Paolera, Media Relations Officer with the Kelowna RCMP, said.

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“E-scooters should be ridden in Kelowna following the same rules as bicycles. This means no riding on sidewalks; stick to the streets, bike lanes, and multi-use pathways.”

RCMP are reminding people they must be 16 years or older to ride an e-scooter and 18 or older to rent one, and wearing a helmet is mandatory.

People are also reminded that consumption of drugs or alcohol while operating an electric kick scooter is illegal, as is operating the device when impaired.

Riders must also be alone, as having passengers or towing others using other devices are not permitted.

E-scooters are also not allowed in City Park and along the downtown waterfront, and they cannot be ridden anywhere downtown after 10:30 p.m.

Failure to adhere to the rules may result in fines of up to $2,000.

by Liam Verster

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