Earlier this month, Red Deer City Council reviewed feedback gathered on the first season of the e-scooter pilot project in Red Deer. As a part of that review, Council asked for more information to come back on the possibility of reducing the minimum age of riders from 18 to either 16 or 14.
Based on observations and feedback gathered after the first season of the pilot program, The City became aware that minors frequently used e-scooters. The City found no evidence of increased injuries or harm to underage riders 16 to 18 years old, based on data or information from pilots in Red Deer or other Albertan municipalities.
Council approved second and third reading of an amendment to the Traffic Bylaw to modify the minimum age to 16 instead of the previous minimum age of 18. Making this change allows users who were likely already using e-scooters to continue to without risk of violating the bylaw or e-scooter company rules.
The Traffic Bylaw amendments approved by Council today also include amendments for enforcement tools to help gain greater compliance with e-scooter usage. Council also gave first, second and third reading to an amendment of the Business Licence Bylaw to coincide with the Traffic Bylaw amendments.
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
The City of Red Deer