Depending on what’s being used, a simple summertime ride down Regina streets, sidewalks or paths could be illegal.
Police recently tweeted about how officers are seeing an increase in electric scooters and skateboards in public.
Recently, we’ve seen an increase in electric scooters and skateboards in Regina.
Did you know? These devices are NOT legal for use on city streets. Under the @CityofRegina Traffic Bylaw – these devices have always been classified as unlicensed motor vehicles. #YQRTraffic pic.twitter.com/grbVu84sVs
— Regina Police (@reginapolice) June 17, 2021
It’s news that may stop some zipping around on a hot day cold in their tracks.
“Currently, it’s not legal to operate them whether it’s on a city street or in a public park,” Regina Police Chief Evan Bray said during Tuesday’s Greg Morgan Morning Show.
“They’re illegal to operate on basically anywhere public in the City of Regina, with the exception of private property.”
The exceptions are battery-powered or electric bikes. They can be used on streets and in parks, but not on sidewalks.
Bray said those are permitted to be used because they are entirely different; they have pedals that can generate power and eventually the bikes are power-assisted. He said they’re no different than a regular pedal bike.
Electric scooters and skateboards aren’t the same.
“The reality is a lot of these vehicles can go 35, 40, 45 kilometres an hour. They don’t have turn signals, brake lights (or) any of those types of things. They can’t be registered,” said Bray.
However, he said there are conversations happening at City Hall about the possibility of allowing these types of vehicles in some way in the future.
“Is there a way we can open up some space in the city for people to safely use and ride these, without having them on the roadway and potentially causing a danger to themselves or others?” he said.