TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 22, 2024 Report No. EPW-24-010
TO: Council
FROM: Joel Clary, Director of Engineering & Public Works
SUBJECT: Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council direct staff to:
a) notify the Province that the Township wishes to participate in the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project; and
b) prepare bylaw amendments to accommodate the pilot project;
as described in Staff Report EPW-24-010
.Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to seek direction from Council on participating in the Province’s electric kick scooter pilot project. The project starts in April 2024 and goes to April 2028. If Esquimalt participates in the pilot project, electric kick scooters will be permitted within the municipality.
BACKGROUND:
Electric kick scooters are battery-powered devices with a motor and two to four wheels, a platform for standing and handlebars for steering. In British Columbia, the use of electric kick scooters is governed by the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA). The MVA does not permit the use of electric kick scooters.
In 2021, the Province began a pilot project to test the use of electric kick scooters in participating municipalities. This first pilot project recently ended. A new pilot project was renewed starting April 5, 2024. The new pilot project will continue to test the use of electric kick scooters in participating municipalities to inform a potential change to the MVA in 2028 when the pilot project ends. In the new pilot project, the Province has simplified the application process and reporting requirements. To apply, municipalities need to pass a Council resolution that consents to the electric kick scooter pilot project taking place within their municipality.
Further details on the regulations that will apply to participating municipalities and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the pilot project can be found in Attachments 1 and 2, respectively.
ANALYSIS:
Staff recommend participating in the pilot project. Electric kick scooters are an active mode of transportation. Participating in the Province’s pilot project aligns with the Active Transportation Network Plan as it provides an opportunity for electric kick scooters to be used legally in Esquimalt. Staff do not expect a significant increase in ridership due to the pilot project, as there is currently minimal to no enforcement of the use of such scooters in the region; however, the participation in the pilot will give the municipality the opportunity to provide input to the Province as the Province considers a permanent change to the MVA in 2028. Staff do not expect the participation in the pilot to affect staff’s capacity to deliver on other priorities as the new pilot has minimal reporting requirements. Further, other municipalities in the region are already approved to participate, including Victoria, Saanich, View Royal, and Langford.
Participation in the pilot project provides the Province’s regulation found in Attachment 1. As such, there is no requirement to update Township bylaws; however, if Council approves participation in the pilot project, staff will report back with updates to the Streets & Traffic Bylaw to include provisions for electric kick scooters to have the same crossing provisions as bikes at crosswalks and cross-rides as per recent updates to this bylaw.
Environmental Impact:
As an active mode of transportation, increasing trips by electric kick scooter will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council direct staff to:
a. notify the Province that the Township wishes to participate in the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project; and
b. prepare bylaw amendments to accommodate the pilot project;
as described in Staff Report EPW-24-010.
2. That Council provide alternative direction to staff.
3. That Council request further information from staff.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Engaged & Healthy Community - Implement Active Transportation Network Plan
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No financial impact is expected.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Once participation is approved by the Province, staff will update the Township’s website to include information on the pilot project.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
If approved by Council, staff will send the required Council resolution to the Province. Approval of the Township’s participation in the pilot project is expected to occur shortly after the Province receives the Council resolution.
Following the participation in the pilot project, staff will report back in late Spring / early Summer with an update to the Streets & Traffic Bylaw to allow for electric kick scooters in multi-use crosswalks marked by elephant’s feet.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
2. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
List all items attached to the Staff Report
1. Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project - Regulations
2. Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project - FAQs