What is a shared e-scooter program?

People across North America are increasingly using micro-mobility vehicles to get around. These are fully- or partially- powered by a motor but are significantly smaller, lighter, and equipped with less power than conventional motor vehicles. This project focuses on one type of micro-mobility vehicle: the standing Electric Scooter. These devices do not have a seat or pedals, and the rider stands on a center floorboard to balance.

Several Canadian cities have updated their bylaws to allow shared e-scooters on certain pathways where a private company provides a fleet of e-scooters and riders are charged a fee through the mobile app to borrow one. Residents and visitors ride the e-scooter to their destination, and park it for the next rider.  

Benefits of a shared e-scooter program

E-scooters are another transportation option for residents and visitors to get around the city for leisure or to their destination. Benefits of a shared e-scooter program include: 

• Fills in the gap for the first/last kilometre by encouraging people to walk, bike and take public transit. Growing active transportation is a priority for the City. 
• Provides an additional transportation option for shorter trips. 
• Improves physical health by providing transportation, recreation and leisure options that encourage physical activity.

​Considerations before we bring e-scooters to Saskatoon 

There are several factors to consider when creating a regulatory framework for shared e-scooters in Saskatoon. The new framework will need to address:

• Where can e-scooters ride in Saskatoon? Can they ride on sidewalks, pathways, bike lanes, and roads? 
• What geographical areas should e-scooters be allowed to ride in? 
• Safety considerations such as maximum operating speed, helmet use, and slow speed zones for e-scooters
• Who can ride the e-scooters? Will there be an age restriction?
• Hours of operation 
• Parking locations for e-scooters

 

Phase 1 Engagement

The first phase of engagement took place in spring 2022. You can read about what we heard in the What We Heard Report - Phase 1. 

Watch the video below and review the materials on this page. 

Phase 2 Engagement

The second phase of engagement took place in fall 2022. Read the full Draft Regulatory Framework for shared e-scooters in Saskatoon or view the highlights of the framework to see what was approved. 

 

What is an e-scooter?

A standing e-scooter is powered by a small electric motor. These devices do not have a seat or pedals, and the rider stands on a center floorboard to balance.

Are e-scooters the same as e-bikes? Can they use the same paths? 

No, these are different devices. In Saskatoon e-bikes are governed by Bylaw 9705, Bicycle Bylaw. Under this bylaw an e-bike is considered a bicycle and is allowed where bicycles are allowed. We currently do not know where e-scooters will be allowed to operate. This is a part of the regulatory framework we are working on. 

Are e-scooters allowed to ride on the sidewalk, paths or roads in Saskatoon?

E-scooters are NOT allowed to ride on the sidewalk, pathways or roads in Saskatoon. As of September 22, 2022, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced the Limited Speed Motor Vehicle Regulations, 2022, which will govern the use of motorized vehicles with a maximum speed of 32 km/hr.

The regulations allow municipalities to pass their own bylaws authorizing where and when e-scooters can be used. If a municipality does not pass a bylaw permitting their use, e-scooters will continue to be prohibited on public roads in that community. 

In terms of sidewalks, pathways and bike lanes, there are no City Bylaws currently allowing the use of e-scooters. This program includes a regulatory framework to allow shared e-scooters on sidewalks, pathways and/or bike lanes. This program is not considering privately owned e-scooters at this time.

What about seated e-scooters?

Seated e-scooters used as mobility aids for medical reasons are considered pedestrians according to the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).

This project does not consider seated e-scooters.

How much will it cost to ride an e-scooter in Saskatoon?

The cost is determined by the e-scooter vendors.

Where can I ride an e-scooter?

Currently, e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks, pathways, bike lanes or public roads.

How will the pilot project be assessed?

The pilot project will be assessed at the end of each e-scooter season in 2023 and 2024 through public and stakeholder engagement.

What is the cost of the e-scooter program to the City?

A shared e-scooter program could be cost-neutral for the City. Operators will likely be charged a fee to operate and the City will explore options for recovering the costs of enforcement, maintenance and other program costs as part of this project.

Are e-scooters safe to ride?

Getting around Saskatoon safely is everyone’s responsibility. E-scooter riders should be respectful of other users and aware of their surroundings at all times. Safety considerations are a part of the regulatory framework.