While it’s against the law to ride electric kick scooters in Delta, people are doing so anyways, sometimes in a way that’s scaring others.
A Tsawwassen resident said on social media recently that three groups of kids on their way to school scared her when they came up on her as she walked her dog.
“The e-scooters cannot be heard until they are almost on top of you! Could parents please put bicycle bells on them please?” she asked.
One reply cited an email from a Delta school saying that electric kick scooters are illegal throughout B.C., except in a handful (13) cities where a safety review is underway. Even in cities participating in the study, people still can’t use them if they’re under 16 years old.
The school district sent out the information for principals to use in their newsletters.
“It has been brought to our attention that electric kick scooters should not be used by students travelling to school or while on the school grounds,” the school district said.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure started a three-year e-kick scooter pilot project in 2021, then replaced that last year with a four-year safety review.
Delta is not among the cities participating in the review.
Several students are using the scooters and while the school district doesn’t have a set policy, it’s just asking parents and students to follow B.C. rules.
“I’m always shocked by all these e-bikes being on the sidewalk to begin with. A motorized bike at speeds coming toward you on a walking path, doesn’t make sense to me,” added another on the social media post.
As well, parents cannot permit their kids, if they’re under 16, to ride an e kick scooter.
A/Insp. James Sandberg, public affairs manager for the Delta Police said the department hasn’t had any complaints about the scooters but will focus on an educational approach rather than enforcement.
