North American Municipalities Implement New Electric Micromobility Regulations

Government authorities in North America are moving to regulate the rise of electric personal transportation devices to address safety gaps and legal ambiguity. In the United States, the Matthews Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance on September 14, 2026, establishing classifications for e-bikes, e-motos, and electric scooters. The new rules set operating guidelines for roadways, sidewalks, and greenways, with town officials prioritizing public education and voluntary compliance over immediate enforcement.

Simultaneously, the Government of Alberta plans to amend the Traffic Safety Act this fall to create a provincial framework for lightweight vehicles operating below 25 kilometres per hour. Premier Danielle Smith indicated the legislation may include mandates for protective equipment, age requirements, and speed limits. The move follows pressure from municipal leaders in Edmonton and Calgary after a recent collision involving an electric dirt bike injured two children.

Alberta Municipalities president Dylan Bressey described the current lack of a legal framework for e-scooters outside of private property as the "Wild West," noting that current municipal enforcement is limited to ticketing. Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack emphasized that creating regulations to reflect the reality of these devices on city streets is preferable to pretending they do not exist.