Personal Electric Vehicles in Edmonton: Legal Situation
Electric unicycles (EUCs) are becoming increasingly popular in Edmonton, but their legal status remains unclear. This page aims to provide information about the current situation and document encounters between EUC riders and law enforcement.
Other types of personal electric vehicles (eScooters, ESK8, OneWheels and some electric bikes also have legal issues which, in today's
Current Legal Status
As of October 16, 2024, electric unicycles are not explicitly addressed in Edmonton's bylaws or Alberta's traffic laws. They fall into a gray area, often being treated similarly to electric scooters or bicycles. The vast majority of the time riders are able to ride without incident, with more than 300,000 kms ridden in the Edmonton area. However, as can be seen below, on occasion a police officer may decide to try his luck with the courts and will hand out some tickets for contravening various sections of the Alberta Highway Act.
Rider Encounters with Law Enforcement
The following list documents reported encounters between EUC riders and law enforcement in Edmonton. This information is crowd-sourced and is not comprehensive. Please contact us with particulars of any incident you may have experienced or witnessed.
Monday, July 15, 2024
Location: Gateway Blvd, 34 Ave
Circumstances: Electric Unicycle
- Section 3 of off highway vehicle regulation: Drive off highway vehicle on BLVD/Median ($81)
- Section 119(1)(A) Of the Traffic Safety Act: Drive permit other OHV without registration ($324)
- Section 119(1)(B) Of the Traffic Safety Act: Drive uninsured Off Highway Vehicle ($162)
Result: Charges being contested in court
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Location: South Edmonton - 76 Street?
Circumstances: Electric Unicycle
- 52(1)(A): Operating a vehicle without registration
- Insurance
Result: Contested. Verdict: $324 fine?
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Location: South Edmonton - 76 Street?
Circumstances: Electric Unicycle
- 51(1): Operating a vehicle without a licence
- 52(1)(A): Operating unregistered motor vehicle
- 54(1)(a): Operating uninsured motor vehicle
Result: ???
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Location: South Edmonton - 76 Street?
Circumstances: Electric Unicycle
- 51(1): Operating a vehicle without a licence
- 52(1)(A): Operating unregistered motor vehicle
- 54(1)(a): Operating uninsured motor vehicle
Result: ???
Friday, August 20, 2021
Location: Groat Road south of 102 Ave
Circumstances: Electric Unicycle
- 52(1)(A): Operating unregistered motor vehicle
Result: Charge dropped prior to court date
Staying Informed and Safe
As the legal situation evolves, it's important for riders to stay informed and ride responsibly. Consider the following:
- Be aware of your surroundings and respectful of pedestrians
- Stay updated on local bylaws and regulations
- Consider joining local EUC community groups for support and information
Last updated: 10/16/2024