Kick-scooter Safety and Rules of the Road
Generally, the rules for cycling in Prince Edward Island apply to the use of an electric kick-scooter on Island roads and communities. Riding an electric kick-scooter is like riding on a low-speed motorcycle standing up, therefore safety is very important. Therefore, all rules of the road under the Highway Traffic Act apply when riding electric kick-scooters.
Learn how to safely operate an electric kick-scooter.
Safety Tips
Know the rules: Be informed - It’s your responsibility.
Wear a helmet: It’s one of the rules.
Practice in a controlled environment: Remember when first learning to ride a bike? It takes time to learn how to safely balance and control an electric kick-scooter.
Respect your environment and others: Pay attention to hazards and don’t be one.
Know and Obey the Rules
Key user requirements:
| You must be 16, or older | You must wear a helmet | You do not need to hold a driver's license |
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Fines. Breaking rules can be costly - fines can be up to $2,000.
No alcohol or drugs. It is illegal to operate an electric kick-scooter while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Always wear a helmet. You may also want to wear additional protective gear such as elbow and knee pads designed for electric kick-scooters (or other active transportation activities).
Ride alone. You must not transport any passengers. In addition, you must not tow another person, vehicle, cycle, or other device, including another electric kick-scooter, and you must not be towed.
Ride single file. You must not operate the electric kick-scooter beside another person operating a cycle or electric kick scooter on the roadway.
Be visible. You must use lights on your electric kick-scooter (or you can use a lighted lamp) between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.
Wear reflective clothing. A reflective vest or a reflective tape is always a smart choice to increase your visibility to other road users.
Use of hand signals: If the electric kick-scooter you are using is not equipped with lights to indicate a turn, you must use hand signals to indicate your direction.
Parking: Park your device in areas designated by the community. You must not leave the device in a location intended for the movement of traffic.
Where can I ride an electric kick-scooter? You can only operate an electric kick-scooter on a road or community street in accordance with provincial regulation and bylaws of the municipality.
Getting Started
User manual. Read the user manual before operating your electric kick-scooter for the first time.
Riding skills. Learn the skills needed to control and operate your electric kick-scooter safely.
Short-term rentals. If short-term electric kick-scooter rentals are available in your community, make sure to follow all the instructions and complete any safety-related training as instructed by the respective rental company.
Test ride. Beginners should consider practicing in a controlled environment (not on the road) and away from vehicles, other road users and obstacles. Test your electric kick-scooter’s brakes and lights prior to your ride. Remember it takes practice to get used to safely balancing, controlling and operating an electric kick-scooter. Maintain your electric kick scooter: As with a bicycle, don’t forget to inspect and maintain your electric kick-scooter (the steering handlebar, brakes, tires, lights etc.) on a regular basis to ensure it is in good working order.
Be Mindful of your Surroundings
Be alert and focus on your environment. Do not use electronic devices, including headphones, while operating your electric kick-scooter.
Be respectful of others around you. Remember, you must sound the bell or horn attached to your electric kick-scooter when passing a pedestrian.
Be alert. Watch out for potential hazards. Watch out for potential hazards at intersections, when turning and at crosswalks, including vehicles and wet/slippery, changing, or uneven terrain.
Source: British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure: "Electric kick scooter safety and rules".