The City of Prince George will participate in a provincial project studying e-kick scooters.
The opportunity to join pilot project was presented to City Council at last night’s (Wednesday) meeting.
“This project will research, test and evaluate the safety and efficiency of e-kick scooters, with the goals of reducing carbon emissions, and encouraging greater use of alternative and sustainable transportation modes,” said Manager of Transportation and Technical Services Dave Bradshaw.
“Data collected with determine how e-kick scooters are addressed under the Motor Vehicle Act, as well as provide ridership and incident data.”
This is the second pilot project, and will conclude in April 2028. The first pilot project concluded in April, 2024.
Bradshaw noted e-kick scooters are currently only permitted in participating communities, and are prohibited under the current Motor Vehicle Act.
Councillor Tim Bennett said we’re already seeing an increase in scooters in town.
“I think by participating as part of the pilot, it will allows us to ensure that there’s more education, there’s more conversation, and we can ensure the safety of our residents,”
“I think we’re seeing more and more feedback from our community about the importance of looking and improving, this probably still somewhat classifies as active transportation, but maybe not in the same way as biking or walking or kick scootering.”
Councillor Ron Polillo said the reality is is that these scooters are on the streets now.
“We have to deal with that reality, and anything we can do to make it more safe,” he said.
He added there’s potential for service agreements, saying there could be rentals for these scooters.
Council voted to join the pilot project, as well as prepare amendments to the Highways Bylaw to add the definition of e-scooter to accommodate the project.
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