West Shore RCMP are urging the public to adhere to the law when using e-mobility devices after a significant number of complaints were received.
According to police, over 34 complaints have been reported involving e-scooters, e-bikes and e-dirt bikes being operated on public roadways since May.
Though e-bikes and e-scooters are permitted on public roads, e-dirt bikes are not legal for use on public roadways.
Police say e-bikes are permitted because they are speed-limited, have restricted motor output, are equipped with functional pedals and are technically classified as bicycles.
They are allowed on the road, but must follow the same rules of the road that apply to bicycles.
Furthermore, riders must be 14 years old to ride a light e-bike and age 16 or older to ride a standard e-bike.
Conversely, e-dirt bikes do not have pedals and are propelled solely on an electric motor.
Because of this distinction, they do not meet the legal definition of an e-bike and are considered off-road vehicles which cannot be operated on public streets.
“It is important for parents and guardians to understand the rules and regulations surrounding the different types of e-mobility devices before purchasing one for their child,” said Corporal Nathan Brown, who oversees the West Shore RCMP Traffic Unit.
“What concerns us most is the dangerous manner in which some e-dirt bikes are being operated. These are high-powered machines that riders can easily lose control of, putting themselves and others at serious risk of injury.”
West Shore RCMP noted that this warning comes after an incident that occurred on July 7th, at approximately 2 p.m., when officers responded to a report of an e-dirt bike being driven dangerously in the parking lot of Millstream Village Shopping Centre in Langford.
The rider was reportedly performing wheelies and other stunting manoeuvres.
According to police, the rider was located, stopped and was found to be just 13 years old.
Additionally, police say they encountered an 11-year-old rider operating an e-scooter, despite the law in BC saying riders must be aged 16 or older to operate one.
West Shore RCMP say the 13-year-old rider was given a ticket for driving without due care and attention, resulting in a $368 fine. Officers also impounded the e-dirt bike for seven days.
As a reminder of the repercussions for riding an e-dirt bike on public roads, police have detailed the following fines that could be given out if caught:
- No insurance: $598
- No driver’s licence: $276 and three driver penalty points
- No helmet: $138 and two driver penalty points
- Driving without due care and attention: $368 and six driver penalty points
- Driving without reasonable consideration: $196 and six driver penalty points
- Seven-day vehicle impoundment
- Additional penalties for stunting-related offences
Police noted that tickets can be handed out to either the rider or the registered owner of the vehicle.
Unlicensed youth who receive tickets of this nature may be impacted by these decisions when they seek to obtain a BC driver’s licence in the future.
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