Oak Bay Police would like to advise members of the community that Electric Scooters are not legal for use in Oak Bay. The only municipality on Vancouver Island in which they are legal for use is the City of Nanaimo under the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation.

Electric Scooters are considered a vehicle under the Motor Vehicle Act as they are propelled by electric power. As such, to be operated on the roadway they require a driver’s licence and insurance. Use of an Electric Scooter is also prohibited on sidewalks and bike lanes. If found operating an Electric Scooter, the rider may be issued a Violation Ticket for No Insurance under section 24(3)(b) of the Motor Vehicle Act. If the rider does not possess a valid driver’s license, they may also be issued a violation ticket for No Vehicle Licence under the section 13(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act.

A detailed safety study for electric kick scooters will start on April 5, 2024, and run for four years. During the four-year period, people will be able to legally use electric kick scooters in any community that authorized their use.

For more information:

BC Government Media Release: Detailed safety study coming for electric kick scooters