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E-Mobility

E-mobility refers to electric-powered devices that help people get around, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric mobility aids like wheelchairs. As New Westminster grows, more people are choosing to walk, wheel, cycle, and take transit. E-mobility devices supports these choices by makings short trips easier, enabling independence, and helping people connect to transit. They are also a low-carbon way to travel, so supporting the safe use of e-mobility aligns with the City’s transportation plans and climate goals.

On this page, you will find:

  • Rules for where e-mobility devices can be used

  • Who can ride and what equipment is allowed

  • Safety tips and shared path etiquette

  • Local e-bike share information

  • E-Bikes (Electric Bicycles)

    E-Bikes are power-assisted bicycles that have a motor to help propel the device.

    Standard e-bikes are permitted in New Westminster for those 16 years and older. Everyone must wear an approved safety helmet when riding a bike or e-bike, as per the Motor Vehicle Act.

    Shared e-bikes are operated in New Westminster by Lime Technology Inc. and available to those 18 years or older.

    • Types of e-bikes

      In BC, e-bikes are categorized into two classes: standard and light.

      Standard E-Bike: A throttle assist e-bike with a maximum continuous power output of 500W and a maximum motor-assisted speed of 32 km/h. Riders must be at least 16 years of age, and may need to be older if stated by an e-bike share company for use of their e-bikes.

      Light E-Bike: An e-bike without throttle assist with a maximum continuous power output of 250W and a maximum motor-assisted speed of 25 km/h. Riders must be at least 14 years of age.

      Please visit the  e-bike page on the provincial website for more information on e-bike requirements and classifications.

    • Where you can ride e-bikes

      In New Westminster, e-bikes can be used on:

      • multi-use pathways
      • park trails
      • bike lanes
      • roads 
      • any sidewalks, footpaths, and walkways where bikes are permitted

      Cycling is not allowed on the sidewalks, footpaths, and walkways listed in Schedule B of the Street and Traffic Bylaw. 

    • E-bike safety

      You must wear a helmet while riding a bike, regardless of whether it is electric. Per the Street and Traffic Bylaw, the following equipment is required from dusk to dawn (30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise):
      • a light lamp mounted on the front
      • a red reflector
      • a lighted lamp, mounted on the back, displaying a red light

      Additionally, riders should ensure their e-bike meets provincial e-bike standards.

      Please keep in mind that e-bikes can be much faster and heavier than pedestrians and conventional bikes. Ride with care and be considerate of other riders and pedestrians.

       

  • E-Scooters (Electric kick scooters)

    E-scooters are battery-powered kick scooters with two to four wheels, a platform for standing, and handlebars for steering.

    E-scooters are not permitted under the Motor Vehicle Act.

    Even though e-scooters are sold in stores, they are not allowed to be to be used on New Westminster public roads, sidewalks, paths, plazas, or in City parks. The City and New Westminster Police do not have the authority to regulate what is sold on the market, only what is operated in public spaces; fines for infractions may apply.

    • Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project

      The City of New Westminster is not a participant in the pilot project.

      What is the Pilot Project?

      Since 2021, the B.C. government has run a pilot project to test electric kick scooter use in participating pilot communities. The Province sets rules for the pilot project and each participating community can also set certain rules about where e-scooters can be ridden. The results of the pilot project will be used to determine whether electric kick scooters should be authorized for permanent use in the province. Find more information, and a list of the participating communities on the project website:

      Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project

      New Westminster's Decision

      New Westminster City Council elected to not join the provincial pilot at the October 6, 2025 Council Meeting due to concerns related to the safety and enforcement of electric kick scooter devices.

      Instead, Council decided to advocate to the Province, and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, to end the pilot project and have a consistent approach across BC. 

      As the City works towards Vision Zero, which is the philosophy that no road-related death or serious injury is acceptable, it has become clear that there is a lack of categorized collision data from ICBC and provincial health authorities. Additionally, lessons learned from other municipalities suggest having dedicated staff resources, especially to handle enforcement of e-scooter regulations, is key to the success of the pilot project. Currently, New Westminster has limited municipal resources to handle the required enforcement.

    • Where You Can Ride E-Scooters

      E-scooters may only be ridden on private property in New Westminster.

      You may ride e-scooters in communities that are part of the Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project. Riders must follow all provincial regulations, as well as any guidelines set by the municipality where they are riding.

      Find participating communities and provincial regulations here: 

      Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project

    • E-Scooter Infractions

      Operating an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle on a public road can result in a fine up to $598.

      Police officers have the discretion to stop and share information with e-scooter riders or, in some cases, issue a ticket. 

      For more information on enforcement, contact the New Westminster Police Department.

       

    • E-Scooter Safety

      Riding an e-scooter can pose significant risks and can result in serious injuries.

      According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information: 

      • There was a 22% increase in hospitalizations Canada-wide due to e-scooter falls between 2022 and 2023.
      • There was a 20% increase in hospitalizations in BC due to scooter-related injuries between 2022 and 2024. 

    • E-Scooter FAQ

      I already have an e-scooter – what do I do?

      You may still ride on private property, or in communities that are part of the Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project.

      Will e-scooters become legal in the future?

      That decision rests with the Government of British Columbia. The City of New Westminster and NWPD are advocating for legislation that would clearly govern their use. Residents can make their voices heard by emailing the Province at .