E-bikes and E-scooters

The City of Beaumont allows shared e-scooters from approved rental companies only. Under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, only licensed, commercial vehicle-sharing companies can get special approval and permits from the Alberta government to operate in municipal pilot programs. Commercial operators receive exemptions because:

• they can enforce automatic speed caps,
• have geo-fenced no-ride and slow zones in high-traffic areas and
• have mandatory insurance coverage.

In Beaumont, approved e-scooters have the following rules in place:

• Scooters can only go up to 20 km/h on sidewalks, paved pathways and roads with speed limits under 50 km/h and no painted centerline.
• Riders must yield to pedestrians and vehicles on roads, sidewalks and controlled intersections.
• Riders must be at least 16 years old and need to wear a helmet.
• Only one rider allowed per scooter.
• E-scooters must follow parking rules and cannot block pedestrian movement or access to the sidewalk, road or buildings.
• E-scooters cannot be used under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Approved e-scooters cannot be used on or at:

• Roads with speed limits over 50 km/h or a painted centerline.
• Unpaved trails, roads and laneways.
• Skate/bike parks.
• Special events, playgrounds, spray parks or dog parks.
• Sports fields and facilities.
• Indoor facilities or on transit (bus racks aren’t built to carry them).

• Riders must be at least 12 years old and are required to wear a helmet.
• E-bikes can only go on public paths and sidewalks if they:
  • have working pedals.
  • have a wheelbase (distance between the wheels) under 50 centimetres.
  • have a motor of 500 watts or less.
  • can’t exceed the speed of 32 km/h.
• All bikes must have a working bell, horn and handbrake.
• Bikes ridden at night must have a working headlight, taillight and rear reflector.
• Riders must follow the cyclist rules of the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and City of Beaumont’s Traffic Safety Bylaw.
• E-bikes cannot be used under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• E-bikes must yield to pedestrians and vehicles on roads, sidewalks, crosswalks and controlled intersections.

** Any bikes that exceed or do not meet the requirements above are considered Off-Highway Vehicles under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and can only be used on private property or Crown land.

Mini bikes, dirt bikes and other off-highway vehicles (like ATVs, quads and side-by-sides) are not allowed on any public roads, trails or sidewalks.

Mini bikes:

• Often look like toys, but they aren’t.
• Are miniature vehicles that cannot be registered and aren’t allowed on public roads.
• Can be used on private property only.

Dirt bikes, quads and other off-highway vehicles (OHVs)

• Are not allowed for recreational use in Beaumont.
• Cannot be used on public roads.
• Can only be loaded or unloaded from a vehicle or trailer within City limits.

• Take it slow: Reduce speed in crowded areas or when passing others on sidewalks and trails.
• Stay alert: Yield to sidewalk traffic, crosswalks and controlled intersections.
• Keep right, pass left: Stay to the right side of the path, sidewalk or road and pass others on the left.
• Be seen and heard: Use your voice, horn or bell when passing and make sure your headlight and taillight work.
• Follow rules of the road: Follow all traffic laws and rules, stick to speed limits and stop at stop signs and red lights.
• Park responsibly: Park on the grass or in a spot that doesn’t block sidewalks or trails.
• Understand the rules: E-scooters and e-bikes are governed by the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and the City of Beaumont’s Traffic Safety Bylaw. Violations can result in specific fines outlined in each piece of legislation.