E-bikes and E-scooters

Dear Parent/Caregiver, 

RE: E-bikes and e-scooters on school property 

As we settle into the new school year, we are bringing your attention to important safety concerns about the use of e-scooters and e-bikes on Surrey Schools property. 

Recently, the City of Surrey announced e-scooters are not permitted on public property – including roadways, sidewalks or public parks within Surrey. The City also published concerns regarding improper storage and charging, leading to the potential risk of fire or explosion. 

As a result, Surrey Schools will not permit the use or storage of electric scooters on Surrey Schools property. 

Electric Scooters 
As you may know, the Province of British Columbia launched the E-Scooter Pilot Project (the “Pilot”) on April 5, 2024. Under this initiative, e-scooters may only be used on public roads in municipalities that are participating in the Pilot. Please note that the cities of Surrey and White Rock are not participating municipalities. According to provincial guidance, electric scooters cannot be ridden on public roads or sidewalks in municipalities not included in the Pilot. 

In addition, our school communities have raised the following concerns: 

1. Safety: Repeated concerns from Surrey Schools staff, parents, and the wider community regarding speed around vehicles and younger children and a lack of helmets.
2. Storage: Issues related to misplaced, stolen, or damaged electric scooters. Surrey Schools is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property brought onto school district premises (Surrey Schools Policy 5809).

E-Bikes
With respect to e-bikes, the Motor Assisted Cycle (E-Bike) Regulation outlines specific legal requirements, including age restrictions. As a reminder: 

1. Students must be at least 14 years old to ride a light e-bike.
2. Students must be at least 16 years old to ride a standard e-bike.

Please review the definitions of standard and light e-bikes to ensure compliance: E-bike requirements. 

Surrey Schools expects students to dismount e-bikes when on school property. In addition, e-bikes may not be charged at school or stored inside school buildings.

Final Note
This is an evolving landscape with restrictive regulations for children and youth. We encourage parents and guardians to carefully review the applicable regulations before permitting their child to use an e-scooter on private property: E-scooter rules and safety. 

A reminder as we move forward, as per Surrey Schools Policy 5809, Surrey Schools is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property, including e-scooters and e-bikes brought onto school property. 

Thank you for your attention and cooperation as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, students, and community. 

Sincerely, 
Surrey Schools