From e-scooters to Indigenous rights law, B.C.’s local leaders discuss top concerns

The scooters require consistent rules and “only the province can provide that,” Johnstone said.

The province must also invest in education and active transportation infrastructure, he said.

Crashes involving e-scooters have prompted warnings from police in B.C., including in Vancouver, where police said a 30-year-old rider who wasn’t wearing a helmet died after striking her head on the ground in a crash with a vehicle in July, while several school districts have clamped down on their use among students.

Nathan Pachal, mayor of Langley City, said he’s heard from local RCMP officers that the use of electric mobility devices has supplanted speeding as the top road safety concern in the community east of Vancouver.

“So, this is not just a big city issue, this is a small town issue as well,” he said.

Pachal said he’s heard from parents who want to allow their children to use e-scooters, but “they don’t know what’s safe, which devices are legal.”

He said electric mobility devices and active transportation options help reduce traffic congestion, but communities need clear regulations from the province.

The B.C. government website outlining rules for electric kick scooters says riders must be at least 16 years old and obey rules set by participating municipalities. The scooters must also meet certain requirements, including a maximum capable speed of 25 kilometres per hour.

The e-mobility devices are among a broad range of issues up for discussion at the annual gathering taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre this week.

The future of B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is also expected to be a top issue for many of the nearly 2,000 delegates, with deputy premier Niki Sharma taking part in an extended plenary session on the legislation Tuesday.

Premier David Eby backed down on a plan to suspend or amend the law known as DRIPA in April amid strong opposition from many Indigenous leaders, while members of the provincial Conservatives have called for the law to be scrapped altogether.

Eby and Opposition Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay are both set to address the convention later this week.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2026.

Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

From e-scooters to Indigenous rights law, B.C.’s local leaders discuss top concerns

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