With its miles of coastline and unparalleled scenic beauty, Halifax is a perfect place for electric bikes and scooters. Residents and tourists alike are ditching the sight-seeing drives in favour of days spent on the saddle of a bike, and those who work in the city are enjoying convenient, eco-friendly commutes.
It’s not surprising that e-bikes and electric scooters are becoming more popular. They’re affordable to run, they take up little space, and nothing beats the thrill of using an electric bike on the open road.
But these modes of transportation do come with risks. If they are used inappropriately or without due care and attention, people can get hurt and property can be damaged. This is why, as e scooters and e-bikes have grown in number, municipal and provincial governments, including Halifax, are regulating their usage.
Why Do We Need Laws For Electric Bikes And Scooters In Halifax?
Although there is not the same potential for injury and damage as there is for a car, electric scooters and e-bikes are not as harmless as many people think.
Electric propulsion creates increased capability for speed, and speed comes with risks, not only to the person using the e-bike or scooter, but for anyone in the immediate vicinity.
The Dangers Of Speed
Electric scooters are capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 kilometres per hour, and on Halifax roads, ebikes can reach speeds over 40 kilometres per hour.
You can seriously hurt yourself if you wipe out at that speed. If you’re not wearing protective gear like a helmet, there is the risk of a lifelong head injury or death. Anyone you collide with can be at risk as well.
The Drawback Of Silence
From a noise perspective, e-bikes definitely provide a more serene experience than cars and motorcycles.
This can, however, pose a risk to other users of the road, such as pedestrians and people using traditional bikes. If you’re traveling at speed and someone doesn’t hear you coming, a nasty accident could ensue.
The Maneuverability of E-Scooters
One of the great things about e-scooters is their ability to zip around tight corners and small spaces on Halifax’s streets.
It’s easy for riders to start overestimating what they are capable of doing on their e-scooters.
Remember you’re sharing the sidewalk with pedestrians, and it’/ not always possible to predict when someone will cut across a path or slow down. In addition, senior citizens and people with disabilities may not be able to move out of your way on time.
Related Article: Tips for Riding Your Blue Rev Trio Electric Bike at Night
What Are The Rules For E-Scooters And E-Bikes In Halifax?
Nova Scotia currently does not have legislation that specifically regulates the use of electric scooters and e-bikes. Public consultations have been held with a view to updating the legislation.
For now, the use of e-bikes and electric scooters in Halifax is governed by the Motor Vehicle Act, where electric bikes are included in the definition of “bicycle”.
No Minimum Age
Nova Scotia is one of the few Canadian jurisdictions that does not currently specify a minimum age for the use of electric bikes and electric scooters.
Helmets Are Mandatory
It is illegal for anyone to use an electric bike or e-scooter without a helmet. You must include a standard helmet when you buy an e-bike in Halifax.
This measure is enforced with a fine, and it’s an important step in reducing the risks of injury.
It Is Illegal To Operate E-Bikes And E-Scooters While Impaired
Many people think impaired driving laws only apply to cars and motorcycles, but they also apply to electric scooters and e-bikes.
Given the speed that these transportation methods are capable of, impaired riding can be extremely dangerous for yourself and others, and it can result in criminal charges.
Normal Rules Of The Road Apply
No matter what you are using to get around – a car, a bike or e-bike, a horse-drawn carriage – if you are using a public road in Halifax, you have to follow standard traffic rules. This includes the following:
Stay To The Right
Ride on the right-hand ride of the road, with the flow of vehicular traffic. In the case of an electric scooter, use the sidewalk on the right-hand side of the road.
You should be traveling in the same direction as road traffic, and the opposite direction to pedestrians who are using the sidewalk correctly.
Respect Pedestrian Right Of Way
Pedestrians have the same right of way as they would if you were driving a car. This includes pedestrian crosswalks and at intersections where you are making a left- or right-hand turn. Even with electric bikes, as long as it’s a sidewalk in Halifax, pedestrians always have the right of way.
Don’t Text And Ride
Laws prohibiting texting while driving exist for a reason: plenty of evidence exists to support the fact that attempting these two activities at the same time can be fatal. The danger is intensified if you’re using an e-bike or electric scooter.
Apart from the helmet that you are required by law to wear, you do not have a lot of protection on these modes of transport. Texting while you ride can result in serious injury to you or someone else.
Avoid Distracted Riding
Related to the previous point, distracted driving can lead to you or someone else becoming injured. Avoid any scenario that takes your focus away from being safe while you ride.
Obey Traffic Lights And Signs
While operating your electric bike or e-scooter, it is important you observe the traffic lights and signs that apply to vehicles, not to pedestrians.
Adhering to traffic lights means waiting at red lights even if there is no visible traffic, making use of lights for turning traffic, and waiting your turn at all-way stops. If a police officer is on duty, be sure to follow their instructions, just as you would if you were driving a car.
Additional Safety Tips For Using E-Scooters And Electric Bikes In Halifax
Regardless of what the laws are, the primary objective is to get all electric bikes and escooters in Halifax from Point A to Point B without anyone getting hurt.
You shouldn’t only be following traffic rules in order to avoid breaking the law, you should be following them because they are there for your safety.
In addition to the road safety laws, here are some other things for you to consider in order to stay safe:
- Don’t underestimate the speed of your e-bike or e-scooter. The increased speed means you need to allow more space for braking.
- Bear in mind that pedestrians can abruptly change course or stop walking.
- Remember that your e-bike or e-scooter is relatively quiet. Equip it with a bell, and use the bell to alert people when you’re approaching from behind or from the side.
- Electric scooters are relatively easy to maneuver, but don’t let this make you over-confident, especially when you are riding in places you are not familiar with.
- Ensure you are visible in dark or overcast conditions. Some e-bikes and electric scooters come equipped with lights, but you should also wear reflective clothing. Another option is a headlamp.
- Make sure your e-bike or e-scooter is well-maintained at all times. If anything is malfunctioning, you may be at higher risk of having an accident.
- Have a map of charging stations handy to ensure you can safely get where you need to be without getting stuck, and keep your phone fully charged so you can call for help if needed.
Related Article: The Best Electric Bike Selections For The Toronto Lifestyle
What Electric Scooter And E-Bike Rules Could Change In The Future?
The Government of Nova Scotia has been holding a series of public consultations related to traffic laws. The goal is to create new legislation to replace the outdated legislation, much of which was drafted prior to the introduction of electric bikes and electric scooters.
Although the new legislation will apply to all modes of transportation, it’s likely that some provisions will apply specifically to electric scooters and e-bikes.
Public consultations have already been held on electric bikes, their drivers, rules of the road, business and licensing, roles and responsibilities, and administration. It’s anticipated that the section dealing with offenses and penalties will be available for public input by fall of 2021.
For now, anyone using an electric scooter or e-bike in Halifax should continue to follow the laws as described in this article. However, the legislative landscape is in the process of change, so, it’s important to stay current on the news in this area.
