Council approves 18 scooter zones as new bylaw takes shapePublished Jun 08, 2025 • Last updated 8 hours ago • 3 minute readEpic Electric will pay $900 per month to lease public land where the company can station its scooters over the summer. Photo by Logan MacLean /The GuardianE-scooters are back in Charlottetown for another summer as the city tries to keep up with evolving transportation.Part of the work involves city staff working with master of planning students at Dalhousie University to develop a bylaw for “micro-mobility.”In the meantime, council voted unanimously on May 27 to lease 18 public rights of way to Epic Electric Scooters to station its scooters.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe lease agreement outlines conditions for using the public land — street corners throughout the city — but it doesn’t decide whether Epic Electric operates in the city, manager of environment and sustainability Jessika Corkum-Gorrill said at the meeting.“Otherwise, they are free and clear to use private property, and they’re out there now running it. So this report is just a question: Do we allow them to park within the city’s right of way.”Read More New electric scooter rental business in P.E.I. offers eco-friendly means of travel E-scooter safety issues persist in Charlottetown despite business’ commitment to make changes, police and councillors say E-scooter rentals now operating at four locations in Cornwall, P.E.I. Before the vote, Deputy Mayor Alanna Jankov pointed out the scooter issue now falls under a different city department and asked where she should direct resident concerns and questions.Article contentCoun. Trevor MacKinnon, who chairs the environment and sustainability committee, said enforcement remains a police issue.CommitteeAt the May 22 environment and sustainability committee, there was also some question about potential liability for the city if someone gets injured while riding without a helmet.Michael Ruus, director of corporate services, said Epic Electric has its own liability insurance, and the city is named as a second party. But the city is not liable if someone gets hurt using an Epic scooter on city roads.Ruus also outlined the “geo-fencing” features on Epic’s scooters, which prevent the machines from going in places like boardwalks and some sidewalks.On the other hand, councillors at the committee and regular meeting spoke about an apparent increase in electric scooters that belong to residents, leaving enforcement up to the police.Article content Epic Electric e-scooters are leasing 18 public rights of way from Charlottetown this summer, the same locations as previous years. Photo by Logan MacLean /The GuardianThe goal for all scooter and bike users is still to increase education and the sense of responsibility residents have, Ruus said.“Our best investment at this point is doing more on the public education side, and then if we need to escalate into further enforcement mechanisms we can certainly look at additional options.”Coun. Norman Beck said he agrees, but that doesn’t work for everyone. Some people will just ignore the rules no matter how much they’re explained, he said.“There has to be some awareness that we’re actually putting some teeth behind our policy. … I do agree with the education piece, but I think it has to be coupled with a bit of carrot and a bit of stick.”Looking at some of the details of the new agreement, sustainable transportation officer Anna Keenan said the deal is for one year and extendable for up to two more. Each of the 18 locations will cost Epic $50 per month, for a total of $900 each month.The city also held an open expression of interest process, but Epic was the only applicant.Stay informed: Don’t miss the news you need to know. Sign up for our newsletter today.Logan MacLean is a municipal reporter with The Guardian in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached by email at lmaclean@postmedia.com and followed on X @loganmaclean94.Article content
Charlottetown lets Epic Electric use city land for e-scooter parking again this summer
