Home / Disasters and Accidents / New Burnaby Bylaw Targets E-Scooter Safety
New Burnaby Bylaw Targets E-Scooter Safety
27 May
Summary
- E-scooters banned on major Burnaby roads unless using dedicated lanes.
- City cites rising e-scooter injuries, including two child hospitalizations.
- New rules restrict headphones and sidewalk use for e-scooter riders.
Burnaby has introduced significant new regulations for e-scooter riders, enacting bylaw changes on May 12 that restrict their use on many main roads. These rules are part of British Columbia's electric kick scooter pilot project, involving 36 communities.
The new regulations specifically ban e-scooters from major road networks and arterial roads unless a separated cycle lane or multi-use pathway is available. This impacts streets like Hastings Street and Kingsway, regardless of their speed limit.
Additionally, riders are prohibited from using headphones. Sidewalk and local park use is also restricted, requiring specific signage or designated areas. These measures follow a national trend of increased e-scooter-related hospitalizations.
Data from last year showed a 22% rise in e-scooter fall hospitalizations nationwide, with a 61% increase among children aged five to 17. Burnaby experienced two severe child injuries in a recent collision. Provincial rules require riders to be at least 16 and wear helmets, with penalties for violations.
While the city plans an education campaign, some advocates call for stricter enforcement and higher fines, especially with anticipated increased usage during summer and events like the FIFA World Cup.
