Where Are E-Scooters Legal in Metro Vancouver? 2026 City-by-City Guide

Last reviewed: October 21, 2026

Electric scooter rules can change the moment you cross a municipal boundary in Metro Vancouver. A route that is legal in Vancouver or Burnaby can become illegal on public roads once you enter a municipality that has not joined British Columbia’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project.

This guide explains where privately owned electric kick scooters can currently be used across Metro Vancouver, how the provincial pilot works, and which local rules riders should check before travelling between cities.

Legal note: This article provides general information, not legal advice. Pilot participation, municipal bylaws, signage and route rules can change. Always check the Province of British Columbia and the municipality where you plan to ride before using an e-scooter in public.

Quick answer: Where are e-scooters legal in Metro Vancouver?

Under B.C.’s current pilot framework, electric kick scooters can be used on public roads inside a municipality only if that municipality is a participating community. Participating municipalities may also set additional local rules about where scooters can be ridden.

At the time of this review, the Metro Vancouver municipalities participating in the provincial pilot are:

• Burnaby
• Coquitlam
• City of North Vancouver
• District of North Vancouver
• Port Moody
• Richmond
• Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• Township of Langley

Municipalities such as Surrey, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Delta, Maple Ridge, White Rock and the City of Langley are not currently listed as participating communities. That means public-road use is not authorized there under the provincial pilot.

The current provincial list is available on the B.C. electric kick scooter rules and safety page.

Why e-scooter rules differ from city to city

British Columbia is testing electric kick scooters through a pilot project scheduled to run until April 5, 2028. The Province establishes the core legal definition of an electric kick scooter and the baseline safety rules, while municipalities choose whether to participate and can add local restrictions.

This creates two separate questions:

1. Is the municipality participating? If not, you generally cannot ride an electric kick scooter on public roads within that municipality.
2. If it is participating, where can you ride? Local bylaws and signs may determine whether scooters can use particular roads, bike lanes, multi-use paths, parks or other routes.

For a broader comparison beyond Metro Vancouver, see our Electric Scooter Laws in Canada by Province (2026).

What counts as a legal electric kick scooter in B.C.?

Joining the pilot does not make every scooter sold online or in stores street legal. Under the provincial rules, an electric kick scooter used under the pilot must meet specific design and performance requirements.

Among the key requirements, the scooter must:

• Have handlebars and a platform designed for standing
• Have no seat or enclosed riding structure
• Have one or more electric motors with a combined continuous power output of no more than 500 W
• Have a maximum speed capability of 25 km/h on a clean, paved and level surface
• Weigh no more than 45 kg including the motor and battery
• Have an adequate braking system
• Have a bell or horn
• Use required front and rear lighting between sunset and sunrise

Riders must be at least 16 years old and wear an approved helmet. A driver’s licence and vehicle insurance are not required for a compliant electric kick scooter under the pilot.

Sidewalk and crosswalk riding is generally prohibited unless local signs or traffic-control devices specifically allow it. Riders cannot carry passengers, ride impaired, or use a phone or other electronic device while riding.

Before buying a scooter for commuting, check the specifications carefully. A high-performance scooter that exceeds the provincial limits may not qualify for public-road use even if you personally ride it below 25 km/h.

Metro Vancouver e-scooter laws by municipality

Municipality	2026 pilot status	Practical meaning
Vancouver	Participating	Legal on permitted roads, bike routes, greenways and permitted seawall/park paths. No sidewalk riding.
Burnaby	Participating since Jan. 1, 2026	Legal subject to provincial and Burnaby rules. Bike lanes should be used where available; sidewalks are generally prohibited.
Richmond	Participating	Legal only on designated local routes and paved shared pathways. Richmond applies lower local speed limits than the provincial maximum in some settings.
Coquitlam	Participating	Legal on designated routes, cycling lanes and permitted paved multi-use paths. Local pathway speed rules apply.
Port Moody	Participating	Legal on qualifying streets and cycling lanes subject to local and provincial rules.
City of North Vancouver	Participating	Legal on qualifying city roads, mobility/bike lanes and permitted multi-use pathways. Sidewalk riding is prohibited.
District of North Vancouver	Participating	Legal under the pilot on locally permitted streets, cycling facilities and designated pathways. Follow District signs and route rules.
West Vancouver	Participating	Legal on qualifying District roads and cycling infrastructure. Not permitted on sidewalks or in crosswalks.
Township of Langley	Participating	Legal on qualifying Township roads and cycling lanes under provincial rules.
Surrey	Not participating	Not permitted on public roadways, sidewalks or in parks. Surrey states that e-scooters may be used on private property.
New Westminster	Not participating	Not permitted on public roads, sidewalks, paths, plazas or in City parks.
Port Coquitlam	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized under the current B.C. pilot.
Delta	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized under the current B.C. pilot.
City of Langley	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized. Do not confuse the City of Langley with the participating Township of Langley.
Maple Ridge	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized under the current B.C. pilot.
Pitt Meadows	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized under the current B.C. pilot.
White Rock	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized under the current B.C. pilot.
Anmore	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized under the current B.C. pilot.
Belcarra	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized under the current B.C. pilot.
Bowen Island Municipality	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized under the current B.C. pilot.
Lions Bay	Not participating	Public-road use is not authorized under the current B.C. pilot.

Important: “Participating” does not mean you can ride anywhere in that municipality. Provincial rules, municipal bylaws and posted signs still determine the permitted route.

Vancouver e-scooter rules

Vancouver is one of the most straightforward municipalities for riders because the City has published clear route guidance. E-scooters can be used on city roadways, greenways, bikeways and bike lanes, as well as the Seawall and park paths where bicycles are allowed.

Sidewalk riding is not allowed. If you need to use a sidewalk, dismount and walk your scooter.

The City also reminds riders to slow down on busy shared paths and around pedestrians. The maximum provincial scooter speed is 25 km/h, but conditions may require a much lower safe speed.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our dedicated E-Scooter Laws in Vancouver guide.

Official source: City of Vancouver e-scooter rules.

Burnaby e-scooter rules

Burnaby joined the provincial pilot on January 1, 2026. Riders must be at least 16, wear a helmet and use a compliant scooter.

Burnaby directs riders to use bike lanes where available or stay as far right as safely possible. Sidewalk and crosswalk riding is generally prohibited unless signage allows it. On roads posted above 50 km/h, e-scooters can only be used in designated cycling infrastructure.

The City also restricts riding on arterial roads such as Kingsway, Canada Way and Hastings Street unless a designated cycling or multi-use facility is available. Parks and park trails are generally off-limits unless signs permit e-scooter use.

Official source: City of Burnaby e-scooter and e-bike rules.

Richmond e-scooter rules

Richmond is a participating community, but its local operating rules are more specific than the provincial baseline.

Electric kick scooters may be used on streets with cycling facilities, certain local streets, some 30 km/h streets without cycling facilities, and off-street paved pathways signed and marked for shared use with pedestrians.

Richmond does not allow e-scooters on sidewalks or unpaved trails. The local maximum speed is 20 km/h on roadways and 15 km/h on paved pathways shared with pedestrians.

Official source: City of Richmond e-scooter and e-bike rules.

Coquitlam e-scooter rules

Coquitlam’s participation runs through the current provincial pilot period. On roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, riders must use a designated cycling lane or multi-use pathway where available, or stay as far right as practicable.

On roads above 50 km/h, an electric kick scooter may only be used in a designated cycling lane. E-scooters are also permitted on certain paved off-street pathways signed for shared use.

Coquitlam does not permit riding on sidewalks or unpaved trails. The City sets a maximum of 15 km/h on paved pathways shared with pedestrians.

Official source: City of Coquitlam E-Scooter Pilot Project.

Port Moody e-scooter rules

Port Moody joined the provincial pilot in 2024. On streets posted at 50 km/h or less, riders should use a designated cycling lane where available or ride as near as practicable to the right side of the road. On streets above 50 km/h, e-scooters are allowed only in a designated cycling lane.

Shared rental services may apply additional geofenced slow zones, parking requirements or age rules that do not necessarily apply to privately owned scooters.

Official source: City of Port Moody e-scooter and e-bike rules.

North Vancouver and West Vancouver e-scooter rules

The City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver all participate in the provincial pilot, making the North Shore one of the more connected areas for legal e-scooter travel.

City of North Vancouver

The City allows e-scooters on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less and on permitted cycling infrastructure and multi-use pathways such as the Spirit Trail and Green Necklace. Sidewalk and crosswalk riding is not permitted. E-scooters are not permitted on Highway 1.

Official source: City of North Vancouver e-scooter rules.

District of North Vancouver

The District is also a participating community. Riders should follow provincial requirements plus District signage and route restrictions. Published District material describes e-scooter use on local streets, cycling lanes and paved multi-use pathways.

West Vancouver

West Vancouver allows e-scooters on District roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less and on roads with cycling infrastructure. On roads above 50 km/h, use is allowed only where cycling is permitted through signage or cycling infrastructure.

Sidewalk and crosswalk riding is prohibited, and e-scooters are not permitted on Highway 1 or Highway 99.

Official source: District of West Vancouver e-scooter rules.

Township of Langley versus City of Langley

This is one of the easiest Metro Vancouver distinctions to miss.

Township of Langley: participates in the B.C. pilot. Legal electric kick scooters can be used on qualifying Township roads. On roads at 50 km/h or less, riders must use a cycling lane if one exists or stay as far right as practicable. Above 50 km/h, riding is allowed only in a designated cycling lane.

City of Langley: is not currently listed by the Province as a participating community. Public-road e-scooter use is therefore not authorized under the current pilot.

Crossing the municipal boundary can change the legal status of your ride even though the urban area may feel continuous.

Official source: Township of Langley electric kick scooter rules.

Are e-scooters legal in Surrey?

No, not on public property under the current rules.

Surrey is not participating in the provincial pilot. The City states that e-scooters cannot be ridden on public roadways, public sidewalks or within parks. They may be used on private property, subject to the property owner’s permission and other applicable rules.

This is especially important for riders travelling south or east from participating municipalities. The fact that an e-scooter is legal in Vancouver, Burnaby or the Township of Langley does not make it legal on Surrey public roads.

Official source: City of Surrey e-scooter rules.

Are e-scooters legal in New Westminster?

No, not on public roads under the current pilot.

New Westminster is not a participating community. The City states that e-scooters are not permitted on public roads, sidewalks, paths, plazas or in City parks.

New Westminster Council chose not to join the provincial pilot in October 2025 and instead advocated for a consistent province-wide approach.

This creates an important regional travel issue because New Westminster sits between several participating municipalities. A ride that begins legally in Burnaby can become illegal on public roads after crossing into New Westminster.

Official source: City of New Westminster e-mobility rules.

Can you ride an e-scooter from one Metro Vancouver city to another?

Sometimes, but you must check every municipal boundary on the route.

• Vancouver to Burnaby: both municipalities participate, so a compliant scooter can be ridden on permitted routes in both cities.
• Burnaby to New Westminster: Burnaby participates, but New Westminster does not. Public-road use must stop when you enter New Westminster.
• Coquitlam to Port Moody: both participate, which makes legal cross-boundary travel possible on permitted routes.
• Township of Langley to City of Langley: the Township participates; the City does not.
• Vancouver or Burnaby to Surrey: Surrey does not participate, so the legal status changes once you cross the boundary.

When planning a longer ride, do not rely only on a cycling route. A route can be physically rideable but legally pass through a non-participating municipality.

Do shared rental scooters follow the same rules?

Shared scooters must still operate within the provincial and municipal legal framework, but the rental company may add stricter rules.

• Require riders to be 18 even though the provincial minimum age is 16
• Automatically reduce speed in busy areas
• Geofence no-ride or slow-ride zones
• Require parking at designated stations
• Limit the service area even where privately owned scooters could legally travel

Always distinguish between the law and the rental provider’s terms of service.

What if your scooter is faster than 25 km/h or more powerful than 500 W?

This is one of the most common sources of confusion.

B.C.’s electric kick scooter pilot applies to devices that meet the provincial definition. If a scooter has more than 500 W of combined continuous motor output, is capable of motor propulsion above 25 km/h, exceeds the weight limit, has a seat, or otherwise falls outside that definition, it may not qualify for legal public-road use under the pilot.

Limiting the speed in an app or simply choosing to ride slowly does not necessarily change the device’s legal design classification.

If you are shopping for a commuter scooter, review the technical specifications before purchase. You can browse our electric scooter collection and contact our team if you need help understanding the practical differences between commuter and performance models.

What riders should check before crossing a city boundary

1. Pilot status: confirm every municipality on your route participates.
2. Device specifications: make sure the scooter itself meets B.C.’s legal definition.
3. Local routes: check whether the municipality permits the specific road, bike lane or pathway you intend to use.
4. Signs: local signs and traffic-control devices can override general route assumptions.
5. Helmet and equipment: check brakes, tires, lights and bell before riding.
6. Weather: wet pavement, leaves, metal covers and painted road markings reduce traction, especially in fall and winter.

If your scooter needs a safety inspection, tire, brake, electrical or battery work, ProMechBC provides electric scooter repair in Vancouver.

FAQ: Metro Vancouver e-scooter laws

Are electric scooters legal everywhere in Metro Vancouver?

No. Public-road use depends on whether the municipality participates in B.C.’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project and on local route rules.

Can I ride an e-scooter on the sidewalk?

Generally no. The provincial rules prohibit sidewalk riding unless a traffic control device or authorized local rule specifically permits it.

Do I need a driver’s licence or insurance?

Not for a compliant electric kick scooter operated under the B.C. pilot. You must still meet the age, helmet, equipment and operating requirements.

Can someone under 16 ride an e-scooter?

Not on public roads under the provincial pilot. Riders must be at least 16, and parents or guardians must not knowingly permit a child under 16 to operate an e-scooter on a highway.

Is a 40 km/h scooter legal if I set it to 25 km/h?

Not necessarily. The provincial definition refers to the scooter’s maximum speed capability, not just the speed you choose to ride at. A model capable of exceeding the legal limit may fall outside the pilot definition.

Is the Township of Langley the same as the City of Langley for e-scooter rules?

No. The Township participates in the provincial pilot; the City of Langley is not currently listed as a participating community.

Are e-scooters legal in Surrey?

Not on public property under Surrey’s current rules. Surrey says e-scooters are prohibited on public roadways, sidewalks and in parks.

Bottom line

Metro Vancouver does not have one uniform e-scooter rule. The Province sets the baseline, but municipal participation determines whether public-road use is allowed inside each city, and participating municipalities can add local route restrictions.

The safest way to plan a ride is to check three things in order: your scooter’s specifications, every municipality on your route, and the local road or pathway rules.

For broader legal context, see our Canada-wide e-scooter laws guide. For Vancouver-specific details, see E-Scooter Laws in Vancouver.

Primary official sources: Province of British Columbia, Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation, and the municipal pages linked throughout this guide.