Regulation of Personal Micromobility Devices (i.e. e-scooters) through the Alberta Traffic Safety Act
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta to amend the Traffic Safety Act and its associated regulations to establish a clear and consistent provincial framework for the operation and use of personal micromobility devices, while providing municipalities with autonomy for bylaw enforcement within their jurisdiction as needed.
WHEREAS the Alberta Traffic Safety Act provides the legislative and regulatory framework governing the use of motorized vehicles on roadways, sidewalks, and pathways in Alberta;
WHEREAS personal micromobility devices, including e-scooters, electronic skateboards, hoverboards, e-bikes, and segways, are increasingly used as a mode of transportation within municipalities;
WHEREAS the Province of Alberta has enabled the operation of commercial/rental e-scooter share programs through regulatory exemptions, and several municipalities have implemented pilot programs to authorize and manage their use;
WHEREAS the Traffic Safety Act does not currently establish a clear legal framework for the operation of privately owned micromobility devices on public infrastructure, limiting municipalities’ ability to effectively regulate their use;
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta has the authority to establish regulations under the Traffic Safety Act and has undertaken consultation regarding the regulation of personal micromobility devices; and
WHEREAS the absence of a defined provincial framework creates challenges related to enforcement, public understanding, and safety, including concerns related to speed limits, age restrictions, mandatory helmet use, particularly for youth, and clear definitions of where devices can operate.
BACKGROUND:
The Traffic Safety Act establishes the legislative framework governing the use of vehicles on roadways, sidewalks, and pathways across Alberta. However, the Act has not kept pace with the rapid emergence and adoption of personal micromobility devices (PMDs), such as e-scooters, e‑bikes, hoverboards, and other small electric mobility options.
Municipalities across Alberta have participated in provincially authorized pilot programs for shared e‑scooter services. Through these pilots, municipalities have developed a range of approaches to managing these programs, including designated parking areas, speed restrictions, operating zones, and safety requirements, reflecting local priorities and infrastructure considerations. While these programs have demonstrated the benefits of micromobility, they have also highlighted gaps in the current legislative framework, particularly with respect to privately owned devices.
As personal micromobility devices become more widely available for individual purchase, safety and enforcement challenges are increasing. Key considerations include how to regulate speed, ensure helmet use, and clearly define where PMDs are permitted to operate. While shared fleet operators have the ability to implement technological controls such as speed limiting and geofencing, no comparable mechanisms exist for privately owned devices. This creates inconsistent enforcement environments and increases the risk of unsafe or non-compliant use.
The absence of a clear, province-wide regulatory framework has also resulted in varied approaches across municipalities. While this reflects local flexibility, it may also contribute to confusion among users regarding acceptable practices and expectations as they move between communities.
The Government of Alberta has been engaging stakeholders on the regulation of personal micromobility devices, beginning late-2025. This work is expected to inform potential amendments to the Traffic Safety Act and associated regulations, with legislation anticipated as early as fall 2026. As a participant in this process, Alberta Municipalities has expressed support for enabling PMDs (based on the existing resolution from the City of Calgary that expires in fall 2026) and emphasized the importance of ensuring that any new regulatory framework both enhances safety and respects municipal autonomy.
As part of this work, there is an opportunity for the province to provide greater clarity while maintaining local flexibility. The development of a provincial best-practices guide could support municipalities in implementing consistent and effective approaches to PMD regulation. Such a guide could outline recommended speed limits, helmet requirements, and appropriate riding zones, enabling municipalities to adopt approaches suited to their local context while promoting safe and consistent use across Alberta.
A coordinated provincial framework, supported by best practices and developed in collaboration with municipalities, would help ensure that PMDs are used safely, consistently, and in alignment with local needs and priorities.
ABmunis is preparing correspondence to the appropriate ministry.