Fort St. John resident asks city to consider applying to province’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot program

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  A Fort St. John resident is asking the city to consider applying to the province’s Electric Kick Start Pilot program to regulate electric scooter use in the city. 

A letter from Amber Lynn Nyman was presented at the July 12 city regular council, encouraging the council to explore the project and learn more about the application process and eligibility. 

According to the province’s website, from 2021 to 2024, the province tested electric kick scooter use in participating communities in B.C. On April 5, 2024, the province launched a new four-year pilot project to continue this work. 

The province is using the pilot project results to determine whether electric kick-start scooters should be authorized for permanent use in B.C. 

The District of Tumbler Ridge and the City of Prince George from northern B.C. are participating in the pilot project. 

In her letter, Nyman said she has noticed an increasing number of electric kick scooters being used in the community. 

Although she recognized the convenience of kick scooters, she has also noticed concerning behaviours, including riders without helmets or safety gear, exceeding speed limits set by the pilot program and passing residents without slowing down or providing an audible warning. 

She believes the city will have a clear legal framework for regulating electric scooter use if it participates in the provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project. 

She said, “Having defined regulations would help improve safety for everyone who uses our roads, sidewalks and shared pathways.” 

Nyman wanted to know whether this pilot project had been discussed or was under consideration.   

“If not, I would appreciate knowing whether this is something the city may be willing to explore in the future,” she added. 

Councillor Gord Klassen said he appreciated the letter and wanted city staff to look into the pilot project and return with a report on whether the city should participate. 

To read the full letter, see below.