Alberta politicians exploring option to put taxpayers on hook for MLA e-scooter rides

EDMONTON – An Alberta legislature committee is exploring whether to put taxpayers on the hook for work-related electric scooter and bike rides taken by politicians.

Currently, elected officials and caucus staff can be reimbursed for taxi rides, car rentals and some airfare if they’re travelling for work purposes.

A bipartisan committee of MLAs is now studying whether to add e-scooters and e-bikes to the list. 

This week, it unanimously passed a motion to see if corporate agreements are an option with one or more providers, such as Lime, Bird Canada and Neuron Mobility.

A report presented to the committee on Tuesday advised against it. Dave Ludwick, with the legislative assembly office, told the committee that micro-mobility companies generally require riders to assume all risks, meaning politicians and staff could be without insurance coverage if injured.

Ludwick also said it appears no other province clearly permits politicians and caucus staff to expense e-scooter and e-bike rides. 

“There is limited precedent or policy development in this area,” he said.

United Conservative Party committee member Nolan Dyck said despite the concerns, it’s a topic worth exploring. He said e-scooters and e-bikes are quick and cheap.

“I do believe that we have an opportunity to also utilize another mode of transportation, which is important,” Dyck said during Tuesday’s committee meeting.

The motion passed by the committee, which was tabled by Dyck, directs legislative assembly staff to see if the companies would waive or modify their standard liability rules as part of any potential corporate agreement.

If not, it directs staff to come up with alternative solutions.

Dyck, in a statement Wednesday, said the committee was taking a responsible approach by gathering all of the necessary information it needs before making a final decision.

“E-scooters and e-bikes are showing up everywhere across Alberta, but our rules haven’t always kept pace with these newer transportation options,” he said.

Opposition NDP members on the committee supported Dyck’s motion, but didn’t speak to it during Tuesday’s meeting. 

During a previous committee meeting in January, NDP member Christina Gray said she was open to considering the move.

“I don’t think I’m going to use e-bikes or scooters any time soon for myself personally, but we have lots of younger people and to them it makes sense,” Gray said at the time.

The NDP caucus declined to comment on Wednesday.

Legislative assembly staff were given a June 19 deadline to report back on whether corporate agreements with one or more companies would be feasible.

Pat Graham, a spokesperson for Bird Canada, said in a statement Wednesday that the company has been in touch with the legislative assembly office and that it was excited to talk.

“Bird Canada offers corporate ride programs for a wide range of organizations across Canada, including private sector employers, public sector organizations, post-secondary institutions and event partners,” Graham said, adding that agreements can be customized.

Isaac Ransom, Neuron Canada’s head of corporate affairs, said the company works with a range of partners and that it looks forward to hearing from the legislative assembly office.

Lime did not immediately respond to questions.

Each political party caucus represented in the legislature is given an annual budget to pay staff, lease office space, do research, purchase office supplies, contribute to retirement investment plans and reimburse caucus members and staff for travel and living expenses.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2026.