Kamloops city council OKs e-scooters

E-scooters are on the way to Kamloops.

City council gave nearly unanimous approval Tuesday when asked to join the provincial pilot program, now set to end in spring 2028.

The pilot started in 2021 and now includes 23 other B.C. cities, regulating their use and bringing in rental programs.

It was met with some concern from council, particularly from councillor Margot Middleton. She said she has observed that e-scooter rentals in other cities appear unmanaged.

"I see these things everywhere, lying on sidewalks. I can't wrap my head around why that type of program would be a benefit to our city," Middleton said.

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City traffic engineer Nii Noi Akuetteh said that issue was alleviated in other cities by having designated parking spots. With the rider charged by the minute, their ride wouldn't end until the scooter is returned.

Middleton was the sole opposing vote to the program at the Dec. 10 council meeting.

Briefing council on the pilot program, Akuetteh brought an electric scooter for display, which carries a 500 watt battery along its bottom with a throttle, brake lever and horn on the handlebars.

Councillor Nancy Bepple, often the most vocal proponent on council for issues like active transportation and bike lanes, said she too has concerns for the scooters and their safety.

She regularly commutes by bicycle and despite Akkuteh's suggestion they are no more dangerous than bikes, Bepple said she's fearful of the scooters, which can reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

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Although she has safety concerns, Bepple said council should accept that there are more e-scooters on the road already, so they should at least be regulated.

"I think we have to accept that people can take their own level of risk," Bepple said.

Councillor Kelly Hall called it an "opportunity" for revenue that could be put into other funds.

A contractor hasn't been picked yet, but the pilot program is poised to launch in Kamloops by spring 2025.

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