School officials in Nanaimo have told parents and caregivers not to let their elementary-aged children bring e-scooters to school, after seeing an increase in students riding them last year. (Image Credit: Dreamstime)

By Alex Rawnsley

leave them at home

‘Just not appropriate:’ e-bikes/scooters not welcome at Nanaimo elementary schools

Aug 31, 2026 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — Police and local school officials are looking to crack down on illegal use of e-scooters to and from the classroom.

Seeing an increase in children under the legal age of 14 riding e-scooters, School District 68 has told parents and caregivers the popular mode of transportation is not welcome on elementary school grounds this year.

Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools spokesperson Gillian Robinson told NanaimoNewsNOW they’re asking all motorized e-scooters and e-bikes to remain at home.

“Anyone elementary age is not the legal age to use these modes of transportation, and our second reason is for safety. We’ve always asked anything with wheels be walked on school properties, and it’s just not appropriate to have anything motorized on school property as well.”

Provincial laws say e-scooter riders must be at least 16 years of age, while children must be at least 14 years old to ride an e-bike.

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Robinson said they saw an increase in younger children arriving on e-scooters to elementary schools last year.

“Parents should know that if an e-scooter or e-bike does arrive on school grounds, they will be called and they will have to come and pick up that item.”

With a blanket restriction in place for elementary schools, the approach at the District’s six high schools and other auxiliary locations is a little different.

Most students are legally able to ride at least an e-bike, meaning the focus is more on safety and accident prevention.

“We’re really focusing on an educative approach with our students and families,’ Robinson said. “We have provided this information to all families to encourage them to have those conversations with their students about the rules and regulations around e-bike and e-scooter use.”

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said they’ll be looking out for improper use of e-scooters and e-bikes as part of their back-to-school campaign.

“You have to be on public roadways or designated bike lanes, nothing else. Our members will be looking for those, we will be enforcing that, and there could be fines associated with that also.”

Students in School District 68 return Tuesday, Sept. 8.

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by Alex Rawnsley

‘Just not appropriate:’ e-bikes/scooters not welcome at Nanaimo elementary schools

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