The Roads and Transportation Bylaw classifies an e-scooter as a “miniature vehicle”. Along with electric scooters (e-scooters), a miniature vehicle also includes pocket bikes, golf carts, motorized skateboards, go-carts, and personal transporters. These are also prohibited in all public spaces.
Transportation
Electric Scooters, e-Scooters
Electric scooters are not allowed to be used in any public space in the Municipality, which includes roads, sidewalks, multi-use trails, parks and greenspaces. E-scooters are allowed to be used on private property.
Riding e-scooters in public spaces can and have caused serious collisions and significant safety risks for riders, pedestrians and drivers. Help keep public spaces safe for everyone by following the laws.
The Council-approved Roads and Transportation Bylaw prohibits the use of e-scooters in public spaces and defines e-scooters as a Miniature Vehicle, which is the same definition used in the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. Miniature vehicles include electric scooters (e-scooters), pocket bikes, golf carts, motorized skateboards, go-carts, and personal transporters.
RCMP and Bylaw Officers are enforcing the e-scooter bylaws and prefer to begin with an education-first approach. In response to ongoing illegal and unsafe use, officers may issue tickets and/or impound e-scooters to help keep public spaces safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users.
A $500 fine may be issued for illegal use, and/or impoundment. Impound fees apply, see FAQs below.
E-Scooter FAQs
What is an e-scooter classified as according to the Roads and Transportation Bylaw?
What is considered a public space?
A public space in the RMWB includes, but is not limited to parks, trails, roads, sidewalks, pathways, and any other areas that are meant for public use.
Why is personal e-scooter use not allowed in public spaces?
- All motor vehicles on a public road requires possession of a valid driver’s license, motor vehicle registration, and insurance, which is not available for e-scooters operators.
- Personal e-scooters do not have the same level of device regulation as shared e-scooters - many can travel at speeds over 50 km/h.
- Operating an e-scooter in public spaces is dangerous to e-scooter riders, pedestrians and drivers. Illegal e-scooter use creates a very serious safety risk.
Why is personal e-scooter use not allowed on neighbourhood trails?
The Municipal Roads and Transportation Bylaw is aligned with the Provincial Traffic Safety Act which prohibits the use of personal e-scooters in public spaces.
Why can I ride an e-scooter in other Alberta municipalities, but not here?
In Alberta, e-scooter rules vary depending on where you live and whether you're riding a shared or a privately-owned device. Some municipalities have exemptions from the Traffic Safety Act to allow the use of shared e-scooters. Private e-scooter use is still largely prohibited in Alberta, except for on private property. In the RMWB, the provincial Traffic Safety Act prohibits all e-scooter use in all public spaces. There are no exemptions. The municipality has no authority to allow the use of e-scooters on roadways and sidewalks. The Province is exploring amending the Traffic Safety Act to accommodate the daily use of personal e-scooters, but amendments have not been approved yet.
The Municipal Road and Transportation Bylaw incorporates provincial Traffic Safety Act laws on e-scooters and clarifies rules to support education and compliance.
Why are personal e-scooters allowed to be sold in Alberta?
The Municipality has no authority to regulate the sale of e-scooters online or in stores.
My e-scooter was impounded. Where can I pick it up?
You can pick up your e-scooter at FMG Energy Services impound lot, located at 133 MacDonald Crescent. The impound lot’s hours of operation are:
-
Monday-Friday: 7 - 7 p.m.
-
Saturday: 8 – 5 p.m.
-
Sunday and Holidays: 9 – 4 p.m.
Contact the impound lot by calling: 1-780-838-0929.
What is the impound fee to collect my, or my child’s, e-scooter that was impounded?
There is an impound fee of $75, plus $10/day until it is picked up.
How will I get home if my e-scooter is impounded?
Adults are responsible for arranging their own ride home if their e-scooter is impounded.
In the case of a minor, Bylaw Officers may offer to phone a parent or guardian to come pick up the child or may give them a ride home.
What do I need to bring to collect my e-scooter from impound?
Please bring your driver’s license and a form of payment for the impound fee. If a minor’s e-scooter is impounded, their parent or guardian must come to pick up the e-scooter.
You can pay tickets online at pay.rmwb.ca. If your ticket is paid within seven days, you will receive a 40 per cent discount.
You may also pay tickets by calling Pulse or in person:
-
Jubilee Centre
9909 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Why are e-bikes allowed but not e-scooters?
- E-bikes or electric bikes are considered “power bicycles” under the Provincial Traffic Safety Act. They are not considered “miniature vehicles” like e-scooters. The basic rules are included in the Government of Alberta Small Vehicle Booklet.
- Approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet is required.
- Operators must be at least 12 years old. Anyone under 16 years old must have parental consent and is not permitted to carry passengers.
- E-bikes are not permitted on municipal sidewalks - their use is allowed on the right side of roadways. Ride as far to the right side as practicable.
Why can I ride my OHV on municipal roads in Abasand, but not my e-scooter?
OHV riders require a class 5 license, registration and insurance to use an OHVs on municipal roads in Abasand. Licensing, registration and insurance are not available for e-scooters in Alberta.
Electric Bikes, e-Bikes
E-Bikes are not regulated under the Roads and Transportation Bylaw. Under the Government of Alberta's Traffic Safety Act, e-bikes are classified as "power bicycles" and are subject to provincial regulations. Read Owning and Operating a Small Vehicle in Alberta.
You can find more details on e-bike laws and regulations in the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. Key requirements include:
-
E-bikes must have a motor of 500 watts or less, with motor assistance cutting off at 32 km/h.
-
The bicycle must have fully operable pedals and be capable of being propelled by human power alone.
-
Riders must be at least 12 years of age.
-
Helmets are mandatory for all e-bike riders, regardless of age.
-
E-bike operators must obey the same traffic laws as other vehicles, including stopping at stop signs, riding as far to the right as practicable, and using proper hand signals when turning or changing lanes.
Self-Propelled Vehicle Usage
A self-propelled vehicle means any vehicle propelled by only human power. This includes bicycles, push-scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, etc.
Bbefore you ride, make sure you know the rules and how to operate your self-propelled vehicle safely. Any person operating a self-propelled vehicle on any trail must:
-
Always be in control
-
Wear a properly secured helmet along with any passengers
-
Yield the right-of-way to all other users
-
Ride to the right-hand side of the trail. Never ride to the side of another self-propelled vehicle except when safely passing.
-
Equip the self-propelled vehicle with brakes, a bell or horn, and a head lamp and tail lamp
-
Never carry more passengers than the self-propelled vehicle was designed for.
Off-Highway Vehicle Usage
Off-highway vehicles (OHV) are widely used in the Municipality; their safe use should be a priority for operators, their passengers and pedestrians. An off-highway vehicle is any vehicle designated for cross-country travel on land, water, snow, ice, marsh or swamp land or on other natural terrain. This includes motorcycles and minibikes, snow vehicles and all- terrain vehicles.
Operation of an OHV is prohibited on public property within the boundaries of Fort McMurray, except on municipal roads in Abasand. There are designated OHV staging areas along the outskirts of Fort McMurray.
Be aware of the dangers of OHV use and practice safe riding at all times. An OHV is only as safe as the person operating it – use good judgment and courtesy, wear appropriate protective gear and maintain your vehicle. OHV users are expected
to follow the same regulations and laws as other motorized vehicle drivers.
View a map of the designated staging areas or get more information on OHV rules and regulations at rmwb.ca/OHV.
Parking
It’s safe to say no one enjoys getting a parking ticket. The Municipality takes safety very seriously. Parking standards are in place to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Parking regulations in Fort McMurray are extensive and can be confusing to some, so below is an overview of the information you need to know to avoid being ticketed and towed.
Unless otherwise identified, instructed by a Bylaw Officer, or to avoid conflict with other traffic, no person shall stop or park a vehicle:
- Within ten metres of an intersection, stop sign, yield sign, or crosswalk
- Within five metres of any fire hydrant
- Within a Fire Zone or Transit Zone
- On a sidewalk or boulevard
- Facing oncoming traffic
- On any bridge
- Within one and one-half metres of access to a garage, private road or driveway, or a vehicle crossway over a sidewalk
- If a “No Parking” or “Street Maintenance” sign is posted
- Without moving a vehicle parked on-street for over 48 hours
If you have any questions that are unanswered about parking, contact PULSE.
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety is very important, here are some tips to help avoid accidents or injuries:
- Make sure to be visible to drivers at all times.
- Wear lightly coloured or reflective clothing at night and brightly coloured clothing during the day.
- Make eye contact with drivers in stopped and approaching vehicles to ensure they see you before you cross in front of them.
- Put your phone away when walking or crossing the street.
- Don’t wear headphones - your ears can tell you a lot about what is happening around you.
- Know and follow all traffic rules, signs, and signals. Being aware of the rules that vehicles must follow allows you to anticipate what drivers will do.
- Never assume that a driver will give you the right of way.
- Use crosswalks when crossing the street.
- Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, walk on the side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers.
- Avoid walking along highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited.
Transit
Save money and be mindful of the environment by taking municipal transit to destinations in Fort McMurray and some rural communities. For detailed information, rmwb.ca/transit or contact PULSE.
Vehicle for Hire
When using a taxi in the RMWB, you have rights as a passenger to have the best experience possible. As a passenger, you have the right to:
- Decide on the route. The taxicab chauffeur shall take the most economical route to a destination unless otherwise requested by you.
- Observe the taxi meter. The meter should be illuminated and visible at all times by all passengers.
- See the driver’s chauffeur permit and taxi license. A Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo issued taxicab chauffeur permit and taxicab license should be clearly visible to all passengers.
- Refuse multiple hiring. A taxicab may carry two or more strangers from a common starting point to one or more destinations if the original hirer agrees.
- Ask for a receipt. The chauffeur may not refuse to provide a receipt in the amount of the fare.
As a passenger, you are responsible for:
- Paying the correct fare.
- Being courteous.
- Wearing a seat belt at all times.
- Respecting the rules of the road.
Subscribe for RMWB updates
Stay up to date on the services, programs and projects in your neighbourhood!