Alberta lawmakers weigh e-scooter reimbursements for work travel despite safety risks

A bipartisan committee of MLAs is examining whether to include e-scooters and e-bikes as reimbursable expenses for work-related travel. Currently, elected officials and staff can claim costs for taxis, car rentals, and some flights. The move comes as interest grows in cheaper, faster transport options. The committee recently passed a motion to explore corporate agreements with providers such as Lime and Bird Canada. It also directed legislative assembly staff to ask if these companies would adjust their liability rules to accommodate a potential deal.

A report had previously warned against reimbursing e-scooter and e-bike trips due to safety and insurance issues. Most companies require riders to accept full responsibility for injuries, leaving users uninsured in case of accidents. Despite this, United Conservative backbencher Nolan Dyck has voiced support for further investigation into their use as a cost-effective transport method.

Bird Canada has confirmed it already holds corporate agreements with various businesses and is open to discussing a similar programme for Alberta’s legislative assembly. The committee will continue reviewing the feasibility of adding e-scooters and e-bikes to reimbursable expenses. Discussions with providers and liability concerns will shape the next steps. Any changes would depend on resolving insurance and safety questions first.