The wheels are in motion for Okotoks to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters.
The Town of Okotoks is taking steps to regulate the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric mobility devices on public municipal land. At the August 17 council meeting, Coun. Ryan Nix made a motion to direct administration to review and prepare a bylaw regulating the operation of electric bicycles and other electric mobility devices within Okotoks.
The proposed bylaw could cover the use of these devices on roadways, sidewalks, pathways, parks, and other municipal property. Nix stated that his intention is to align the municipal bylaw with Alberta regulations.
Council also asked administration to consider regulatory approaches used by other Alberta municipalities, including the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Wood Buffalo’s Road and Transportation Bylaw prohibits e-scooters in public spaces, while e-bikes are classified as “power bicycles” and are subject to provincial laws under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act.
Mayor Tanya Thorn noted that there is a gap in the Traffic Safety Act that allows for some municipal control, and that the province is not currently prioritizing changes to the act. Thorn stated that a municipal bylaw would be necessary to address this gap until the province makes changes.
Recommendations and a proposed bylaw are expected to return to council for consideration by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Leave a Reply