Last night, Council approved amendments to several City by-laws, bringing us one step closer to the launch of a Shared E-Scooter System in Vancouver. In addition, the City will extend its participation in the Province of BC’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot, which will run until April 5, 2028.
“We’re excited to support the upcoming Shared E-Scooter System, and e-scooters in general, because they offer residents a sustainable and accessible option to move around and explore our city,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “The amendments approved by Council help pave the way for this innovative system, further reinforcing our commitment to micro-mobility in Vancouver.”
Since joining the Province’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot in June 2021, City staff have been learning about the use of private e-scooters on local streets and protected bike lanes to better understand how they function in Vancouver.
In June 2022, Council directed staff to seek an operator for the Shared E-Scooter System through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The proposals were received at the end of 2023. Since then, staff are undertaking an extensive evaluation process and will present an update regarding the selection of a successful proponent to Council in spring/summer.
In preparation for the selection of a successful proponent, a number of City by-laws have been amended to enable the implementation of a Shared E-Scooter System in Vancouver. Some of these amendments include:
- Allowing the operation of a shared e-scooter system in Vancouver
- Expanding where e-scooters can legally operate and aligning rules with provincial regulations, most other jurisdictions, and similar to where bicycles can operate – starting April 9, 2024, e-scooters will be allowed on all city streets with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less and on the City-controlled portions of the seawall
In addition, City staff are coordinating with Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to consider legislation to permit the use of e-scooters and e-bikes on the seawall and within lands under their jurisdiction where bicycles are allowed to operate.
Based on work to date, staff anticipate that the successful proponent of the Shared E-Scooter System will:
- Design, implement, own, operate, maintain and manage a publicly accessible Shared E-Scooter System in Vancouver over a five-year period, with options to extend for three additional five-year terms at the discretion of the City.
- Provide a system that will be revenue-neutral or revenue-generating for the City, provide local living wage jobs, and include a Council-directed equity program.
- Be station-based to protect riders and vulnerable users and be supported as much as possible by safe and separated All Ages and Abilities facilities.
In alignment with Transportation 2040 and the Climate Emergency Action Plan, the City supports e-scooters as another low carbon transportation option suitable for short trips. A Shared E-Scooter System can provide mobility benefits to residents and visitors including people with limited mobility, low income, or without a driver’s licence. This on-demand transportation mode can act as a first-and-last kilometre tool to enhance the use of transit or other transportation options, particularly where access may be limited.
Read the Council referral here PDF file (1.5 MB).