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.

In Alberta, the rules around enclosed mobility devices depend on how the device is classified under provincial legislation.

Mobility aids

A device that meets Alberta’s definition of a mobility aid is intended to be used by a person with a physical disability in a normal seated position. A person using a mobility aid is considered a pedestrian under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and must follow safe pedestrian speeds on sidewalks and pathways. Mobility aids are not allowed on public roads. Devices marketed as “medical scooters” that feature rear passenger seats or large cargo areas may be classified as a prohibited miniature vehicles if they look more like a small car rather than a mobility aid.

Miniature vehicles

Any enclosed mobility device that does not meet the definition of a mobility aid and is used for recreation, personal transportation or convenience, is classified as a miniature vehicle. They can only be driven on private property.

More information about operating small vehicles is available from the Government of Alberta. For questions about whether a specific enclosed mobility device is permitted in Beaumont, contact Municipal Enforcement at 780-851-9992.

• 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.