The City of Fort St. John is adding its voice to the call for British Columbia to terminate the electric scooter pilot program and implement regulations across the province, along with the necessary funding for enforcement. This move follows concerns raised by local residents regarding the safety implications of the increasing use of e-scooters within the city.
Mayor Lilia Hansen emphasized the need for provincial intervention and financial support during a recent council meeting, which was the city’s final session before the upcoming October 17 election. The discussion also touched on the importance of establishing a clear legal framework for electric scooter regulation and ensuring compliance through effective enforcement measures.
In a letter dated July 6, resident Amber Nyman urged city councillors to consider participating in the provincial pilot initiative initiated in 2021. Nyman highlighted that joining the program could facilitate the implementation of regulations, education efforts for riders, and enhanced enforcement strategies where required.
Nyman recounted instances of e-scooter riders disregarding traffic signals, speeding past pedestrians without warning, and neglecting to wear helmets, underscoring the urgency for defined regulations to enhance road safety for all road users.
Despite these pleas, the council voted against becoming part of the pilot program during a recent session. Jennifer Decker, the city’s director of development services, pointed out the significant infrastructural adjustments, such as installing bike lanes and signage, that would be necessary to support such a decision.
Decker also noted that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) would be responsible for enforcing the regulations, despite their existing workload and the need for additional resources to effectively carry out such duties.
The e-scooter pilot program, initially launched in six municipalities, has since expanded to include 40 communities, extending to regions like Tumbler Ridge, Valemount, and Prince George in northern British Columbia, with an extension until 2028. Mayor Hansen expressed concerns over the prolonged duration of the pilot initiative and emphasized the importance of adequate support for municipalities grappling with its implications.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities recently endorsed a resolution advocating for the conclusion of the pilot program and the introduction of comprehensive regulations and educational initiatives statewide to address mounting safety concerns associated with e-scooter use.
As e-scooter-related injuries surge across the province, with 81 emergency room visits at B.C. Children’s Hospital reported in 2025-26, the need for effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms becomes increasingly critical. Despite this, the province has affirmed its commitment to the current pilot program without plans for alterations.
Although electric scooters remain prohibited in Fort St. John, city officials have instructed staff to develop a public awareness and enforcement campaign in collaboration with the RCMP to address the challenges posed by unauthorized e-scooter usage.
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