Bicycles, E-Bikes, and E-Scooters
The Town of Olds encourages residents to use active transportation safely and responsibly. Understanding the rules that apply to bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters helps keep everyone safe while using public spaces.
Bicycles
Whether you're riding to school, commuting, or enjoying the trails, bicycle safety starts with being prepared. In Alberta, cyclists under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet, and all bicycles must be equipped with a working bell. Ring your bell before passing others, slow down around pedestrians, and always yield the right-of-way when riding on sidewalks or shared pathways. Stay alert, obey traffic rules, and make yourself visible by wearing bright clothing and using lights when riding in low-light conditions. A few simple habits can help keep everyone safe while enjoying the ride.
E-Bikes
As per the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations, an E-Bike or "power bicycle" means a vehicle that is a power-assisted bicycle under the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Canada) (C.R.C., c. 1038).
E-Bikes (power bicycles) are a convenient way to travel, but they come with the same responsibilities as any other vehicle on the road or pathway. Ride at a safe speed, obey all traffic laws, and be courteous to pedestrians and other pathway users.
As per Alberta Transportation Rules & Regulations Applying to Small Vehicles:
- Riders must be at least 12 years of age.
- The electric motor must not exceed 500 watts.
- Motor assistance must not propel the bicycle faster than 32 km/h.
- All e-bike riders, regardless of age, are required to wear an approved bicycle helmet.
E-Scooters (Personally Owned)
Under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, personally owned e-scooters are electric scooters purchased and owned by an individual for personal use and do not meet the definition of "motor vehicle" or "pedestrian" therefore are considered Prohibited Miniature Vehicles.
Under current legislation, personally owned e-scooters may be operated on private land but are not permitted on roadways, sidewalks, or pathways within the Town of Olds.
Important: Because privately owned e-scooters are not permitted to operate on Alberta roadways, riders and parents/guardians should understand that there may be significant legal and financial consequences if an e-scooter is involved in a collision. This includes collisions with motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or property. In some situations, the e-scooter operator may be held civilly liable for damages, even if they believe the collision was not entirely their fault. Understanding where e-scooters can and cannot be ridden helps protect both riders and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child ride an e-scooter on the sidewalk or pathway?
No. Personally owned e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks or pathways within the Town of Olds. Parents and guardians are encouraged to understand the rules before operating an e-scooter, as well as informing children and monitoring compliance.
Can I ride my e-scooter on the road?
No. Personally owned e-scooters are not permitted on roadways within the Town of Olds.
Where can I ride my personally owned e-scooter?
Personally owned e-scooters may only be operated where permitted under applicable provincial legislation and on private property with the permission of the property owner. They are not permitted on Town sidewalks, roads, parks, or pathways.
Other communities have the E-Scooters for rent and they operate everywhere. Why is this not the same in Olds?
The brightly colored E-Scooters seen in some Alberta Communities are operated by a private company that carries insurance and must comply with special bylaws for their use and exemptions granted by the Province of Alberta. Olds does not have the exemption due to a lack of extensive trails, dedicated bike lanes and or infrastructure to safely manage commercially available E-Scooters.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
As per the Vehicle Equipment Regulations:
- Any operator or passenger of a bicycle under 18 years of age must wear a helmet.
- All e-bike riders must wear a helmet, regardless of age.
What is the difference between an e-bike and an e-scooter?
An e-bike is a power-assisted bicycle that meets provincial requirements regarding motor power and speed and may be operated in accordance with Alberta traffic legislation. A personally owned e-scooter is subject to different regulations and is not permitted on Town sidewalks, roads, parks, or pathways.
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