Clearing Up the Confusion Around E-Scooters, E-Bikes, and Micromobility in Calgary
Did you know: many privately-owned electric mobility devices being used in Calgary are not legal for use in our public spaces?
As e-scooters, e-bikes, and other electric micromobility devices have rapidly grown in popularity, so has confusion about where they belong, how fast they can travel, and in some cases, whether they're legal at all. That confusion, combined with a rise in unsafe and unlawful riding, has prompted the City of Calgary to take a closer look at the safety implications of these devices. Here's where things stand.
What's Legal Right Now
This is where a lot of the confusion lives, so it's worth spelling out clearly. At this time, only a few categories of electric micromobility are permitted for public use in Calgary:
Pedal e-bikes: Legal e-bikes must have working pedals, a motor no stronger than 500W, and a top assisted speed of 32 km/h. These are treated like regular bicycles and can be ridden on roadways, in bike lanes, and along pathways, following standard cycling rules, including helmet use and posted speed limits. (Throttle-powered, "power-on-demand" e-bikes that don't rely on pedalling are not permitted on city roads or pathways.)
Licensed shared e-scooters: These rental scooters (from Bird and Neuron) operated through the City's approved program. They are speed-limited, GPC trackable, registered, and insured.
Privately owned e-scooters: These devices are allowed only on pathways. They are not permitted on sidewalks, roadways, or in bike lanes. The speed of these devices must be limited to no more than 20 km/h.
Outside of these categories, most other electric mobility devices being used in public right now - including e-scooters ridden on sidewalks or roads, and electric dirt bikes - are not legal for use in parks, greenspaces, sidewalks, or roadways, regardless of where they were purchased or how common their use has become.
Working With Partners on the Issue
The City has been coordinating with partners including AMA, the City's Mobility Business Unit, and Calgary Police Service to better understand the scope of the problem and how these devices are impacting communities. These conversations are informing both the education push and the enforcement approach being taken.
Fatal collisions have happened, and serve as a stark reminder that these devices can cause serious harm when used improperly or outside the rules meant to keep riders, pedestrians, and other road users safe.
Stepping Up Enforcement
Over the summer, Peace Officers focused on the behaviours that put pathway users most at risk, with speeding being noted as a top concern.
210 tickets were issued for excessive speeding, including 45 to private e-scooter riders, 30 to power-assisted bicycle riders, and 75 to cyclists
56 tickets for other Parks & Pathway related Bylaw offences
782 warnings given out as an educational first step
Many riders of e-scooters and e-bikes are youth, which adds complexity to enforcement. In these cases, officers often lean toward education and warnings rather than tickets, which is part of why outreach and awareness are such a big piece of this work. This also matters for parents - many are unaware that a device being available to buy doesn't mean it's legal to ride in public spaces.
How to Report Concerns
Calgarians who witness illegal e-mobility use - such as e-scooters on sidewalks or roads, or electric dirt bikes in public spaces - are encouraged to report these instances through the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Response times may not always allow for an officer to attend in the moment, but reports help build a clearer picture of where problems are concentrated and support enforcement and policy decisions going forward.
Reaching Parents & Youth This Fall
Since many of the riders are young people, the City is launching a public awareness campaign this fall aimed at parents of kids ages 10 to 15. The goal is to help start conversations at home about which devices are legal, and about safe, respectful riding on shared pathways and roads, before issues come up.
Reviewing the Bylaws
Behind the scenes, a review of the City's bylaws is continuing to ensure we keep pace with fast-changing micromobility technology. This includes looking at current regulations, what enforcement powers exist, and where gaps might be found. Much of this work requires collaboration with the province to ensure that any bylaw changes align with provincial rules. Recommendations are expected to come before Council in early 2027.
What's Next
The data and experience gathered over the summer are already shaping how the City approaches e-mobility safety going forward. Work continues on education, enforcement, and potential bylaw updates, with the goal of keeping pathways safe for everyone, while still encouraging the active, sustainable ways people love to get around.
Comments