Moncton council has passed a bylaw regulating the rental of e-scooters, while a city councillor has urged the province to update legislation to establish road regulations for users. The bylaw, which received initial approval last month, was unanimously approved during Monday evening’s session without any debate.
Under the proposed bylaw, companies offering e-scooter, bike, or other “micromobility” device rentals must obtain an annual license and adhere to specific regulations, or face fines or potential license revocation. The regulations include the utilization of GPS data by companies to prevent scooters from being used or left on sidewalks, a minimum age requirement of 16 for users, and restrictions on where the devices can be parked within the downtown area.
Charles LeBlanc, the city’s director of bylaw enforcement and community safety, informed the council in July that two companies collectively offer approximately 800 e-scooters for rent in the Moncton region. The approved bylaw grants these companies a 30-day period to comply with the new regulations.
It is important to note that the bylaw does not govern privately owned devices or user conduct. City officials have emphasized that amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act by the provincial government are necessary, as the current legislation lacks provisions for e-scooters.
In a letter sent in July 2025, then-acting mayor Paulette Thériault urged Justice Minister Rob McKee to revise the law, citing the inability of cities and towns to implement protective policies for pedestrians, riders, and other road users due to the absence of a provincial standard. The letter also highlighted the challenges faced by the NB RCMP in enforcing regulations related to electric bikes or scooters under the existing Motor Vehicle Act.
Despite the letter referencing Nova Scotia’s legislative amendments in 2022 regarding e-scooters, and a call for similar changes, the province has not formally responded to the request. Minister McKee declined an interview following the introduction of Moncton’s bylaw in July, with a spokesperson stating that the province is currently reviewing regulations implemented by other provinces, without confirming any plans for legislative changes in New Brunswick.
City Councillor Bryan Butler reiterated the urgency for provincial action, pointing out the legislative gap in New Brunswick concerning electric scooters. Butler emphasized the need for municipalities to have clear authority to regulate e-scooters, advocating for rules similar to those in Nova Scotia to be adopted. He expressed the view that Moncton should have the autonomy to establish its own regulations in alignment with the city’s evolving landscape and economic growth.