Private e-scooters likely to get green light by Saskatoon transportation committee

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Saskatoon residents may soon be able to operate their own electric scooters in the city following a committee report next week that aims to amend the traffic bylaw.

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A report to Tuesday’s transportation committee offers two options for how to proceed with privately-owned electric scooters — either allow them, or don’t — with city administration recommending that they be permitted on the public right-of-way.

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The city noted that the provincial government already has regulations in place regarding e-scooters. Helmets are required, drivers must be at least 16 years old, the top speed of an e-scooter must be limited to 24 kilometres per hour, they can only be operated on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or lower, and bike lanes must be used if they exist on the road.

Several Canadian cities have already greenlit privately-owned electric scooters in their communities, with city administration listing Vancouver, Victoria, Regina, Hamilton and Ottawa.

Some cities don’t allow privately owned e-scooters, like Edmonton, Red Deer and Winnipeg.

On top of provincial regulations, the report outlines a framework for where privately owned e-scooters can operate and where they can park, saying they can be used on multi-use trails and cycle tracks, but can’t be driven on sidewalks, skate parks, city parkades and bus zones.

If privately owned e-scooters are used on Meewasin Trail, they must slow to 15 km/h.

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When it comes to parking, e-scooters can’t obstruct access to buildings and can’t obstruct sidewalks, bus terminals and loading zones. In residential areas, privately owned e-scooters will be allowed to park anywhere a vehicle can legally.

The city got feedback from groups like the local business improvement districts, Saskatoon Cycles, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, SaskAbilities and the University of Saskatchewan. No objections to private e-scooters were received.

While administration recommends that private e-scooters be allowed in Saskatoon, the report provided a list of cons. Additional enforcement work would be created for police, speeding or unlawful riding could occur, compliance technology is not in place like it is for the rentable scooters, and there’s no customer service available to mitigate issues.

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