An e-scooter rider sails down North Park Street in Halifax on Friday. Photo by Ryan Taplin /Chronicle HeraldArticle contentKids under the age of 14 will soon be banned from riding electric scooters in Nova Scotia.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 change to the province’s Traffic Safety Act will take effect in the fall, completing a process to update the old Motor Vehicle Act that started in April 2022.Article contentArticle content“We support and encourage the safe use of alternative transportation options that are low cost, energy efficient and convenient,” Kim Masland, the former minister of Public Works, said in a statement at the time. “When it comes to e-scooters, it makes sense for municipalities to set the rules for their use in their communities. There is growing interest in e-scooters, and we are putting general rules in place to keep everyone safe.”Article contentArticle contentFred Tilley is the current minister of Public Works, but he could not be reached for a comment on Friday. The Canadian Press reported that he told reporters on Thursday: “We are seeing an increase in e-scooters (and) the technology on bicycles and cars is changing on the daily, which allows these conveyances to move faster.”Article content Electric scooters lined up on a sidewalk. Photo by Ashley Fraser /PostmediaArticle contentHelmets are mandatory for e-scooter use and the maximum allowable speed is 32 kilometres per hour.Article contentAccording to a summary of Halifax Regional Municipality by-law M-300 provided by an HRM communications official, “e-scooters may be operated on roadways with a posted speed limit of 50 (kilometres per hour) or less, in bicycle lanes and on multi-use pathways within streets.Article content“The by-law prohibits riding on sidewalks, operating an e-scooter faster than 25 (kilometres per hour) on roads or bicycle lanes, and operating an e-scooter faster than 15 (kilometres per hour) on multi-use pathways.”Article contentArticle contentThe minimum fine for any offences is $50 upon summary conviction.Article contentArticle contentHRM is also in the second year of a pilot project to supply 300 e-scooters and 300 e-bikes for public use. Bird Canada is the contracted supplier. Users can pick up an e-scooter or e-bike at designated locations using an app to unlock access, then drop it off the same way when they’re done. A helmet is provided, and the service is free.Article contentThe age limit for scooter use under the program is 16, and riders who are 16 or 17 require parental or guardian permission when registering for an account.Article content Two electric scooters on a sidewalk. Photo by Ashley Fraser /PostmediaArticle content“During the pilot’s first season, from May 15 to Dec. 15, 2025, more than 122,000 trips were taken by over 28,000 riders, demonstrating strong community interest in shared e-scooters and e-bikes as an additional transportation option,” read a statement from an HRM communications official. “Of those trips, approximately 108,000 were taken on shared e-scooters and more than 14,000 on shared e-bikes.Article content“The pilot was introduced to provide low-emission transportation options for short trips, help reduce traffic congestion and assess how shared micromobility can complement existing transportation choices. Early results show residents are using the service in communities across the municipality, and findings from the two-year pilot will help inform future transportation planning and decision-making.”Article contentAs planned, the program did not operate during the winter, but resumed on March 16. There are also some private operators in HRM who charge for the use of their e-scooters and set their own rules.Article content
Kids under 14 will not be allowed to ride electric scooters in Nova Scotia by the fall
