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, respectiv...
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