In response to safety concerns over small, enclosed electric vehicles, Cold Lake city council will send a letter to the Alberta government seeking regulatory clarity around the use of such devices, known as GIO models, as well as other small electric mobility aids in the community.
These vehicles have become a common sight on Cold Lake’s sidewalks and trails, raising questions about their classification and permitted usage.
The issue gained urgency following an October 28 incident in which a woman was seriously injured on Cold Lake’s Millennium Trail by an electric scooter. Cold Lake RCMP have not yet confirmed the type of scooter involved, but the incident has renewed calls for better oversight of electric mobility devices on shared paths.
Mayor Craig Copeland addressed the recent incident, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. “It’s real tragic… Everybody’s thoughts and prayers are with the poor lady that was struck,” he states. While the RCMP’s investigation is ongoing, Copeland acknowledged the dangers posed by unlit trail sections, saying, “There’s parts of the Millennium Trail that are dark and it’s unfortunate that this happened.”
Council voted on October 22 to draft a letter to the provincial government, which will seek clarity on the regulations governing electric mobility devices such as GIO models and e-bikes. “We’ve asked the province for some guidance, and so right now we know that we’re not the only municipality that’s faced with this,” Copeland said. “We’ll wait for the province’s response to our letter for advisement… before council makes a decision on whether or not we should adopt our own bylaw.”
Copeland explained that the council’s initiative began in response to messages from residents who were concerned after encountering GIO vehicles on trails. The feedback from the community highlighted issues with bikes and GIO scooters in these areas, prompting the council to take action.
In a public statement following the meeting, Copeland highlighted the complexities posed by these new mobility aids, which often resemble miniature cars but operate under different regulations. “Technically as a mobility aid, it’s allowed on the trails, but people walking and biking are getting honked at by these tiny vehicles and forces off to the side, which isn’t what we want to hear.”
Cold Lake’s GIO models are fully battery-operated enclosed mobility aids, nearly two meters long, weighing about 700 pounds and with a top speed of 29km/h. Despite their slower speed, Copeland compared them to golf carts, noting that their wight makes them substantial on the trails. He observed that a few are already in use around the area, with more residents reportedly ordering them.
Cold Lake CAO Kevin Nagoya expressed optimism regarding a prompt response from the province, while council members voiced mixed expectations. Counc. Bob Mattice, commenting on the complexity of the issue, noted observing one of the vehicles switching from sidewalk to road to trail, but added that upcoming winter conditions may provide a temporary solution.
Mayor Copeland highlighted that other municipalities are dealing with similar challenges related to new mobility devices. He expressed hope that the province would take the lead in adapting legislation to address these issues, as any regulatory changes would fall under provincial jurisdiction.
The letter will be submitted to the province to seek feedback on how these electric devices align with Alberta’s regulatory framework for highway and off-highway vehicles.
