Is Your E-Bike Street-Legal?

kc dyer
Apr 27
3 min read

RCMP issue reminders to electric bike and scooter operators

E-scooters are illegal for under-16's in B.C.

This gorgeous spring weather is the perfect time to try out that new bike.

However, a number of local RCMP detachments are reminding the public that e‑dirt bikes and other high‑powered electric motorcycles are not street legal.

According to ICBC, e-bikes are classed as power-assisted cycles that have a motor to help propel the device. They must meet certain requirements to be legal for use on public roads in B.C. A driver’s license or insurance is not required to operate an e-bike in B.C., but there are minimum age limitations, depending on the class of e-bike.

A standard 500 watt e-bike with a maximum speed of 32 km/hr and throttle assist requires operators to be 16 years of age or older. Lighter bikes with less power and no throttle assist require riders to be at least 14 years old.

Electric scooters also do not require licensing or insurance, but have a minimum age requirement of 16 years for operation, and are currently legal for over-16s to ride in Vancouver, North and West Vancouver and Squamish.

Last week, North Vancouver RCMP reported a number of incidents of dangerous operation of electric motorcycles on public roads.

"Reports included riders weaving in and out of traffic and performing wheelies in traffic," they said in a news release, adding that in one instance, youth were reported riding these motorcycles on a turf field at Delbrook Recreation Centre.

As a result, police seized a 2026 Surron bike, which is not street legal. It was later collected by the guardian of the under-age driver.

“We’re seeing more cases where parents are purchasing these bikes without realizing their child cannot legally ride them around the neighbourhood or to school,” said Corporal Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP. “There is a responsibility on adults to understand what they are buying and to ensure youth are educated on the rules and the very real consequences.”

Currently in BC, any type of motorized cycle that does not have fully operable pedals (or hand cranks) capable of propelling the cycle, including when the motor is engaged and providing assistance propelling the device, is not considered legal. Legal motorized cycles must also have a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) compliance label  permanently affixed to the device.

Violators are subject to a $598 fine for operating an illegal device.

Devices that are not currently street-legal in BC include:

Electric one-wheeled devices
Powered hoverboard or skateboards
Mini or 'pocket' motorcycles

Prince George is one of the municipalities that has joined the provincial e-scooter pilot project, and local RCMP have released a list of helpful reminders for e-bike and e-scooter riders. These include:

You must be 16 years old or older to ride an electric kick scooter or a a standard e-bike. Parents and guardians must not allow children under the age of 16 to ride an electric kick scooter. Children between the ages of 14 and 16 can ride a light e-bike.
E-scooters must have one or two front wheels and one or two rear wheels placed along a longitudinal axis.
E-bikes and scooters must have one or more electric motors powered by batteries, with a continuous power output rating not exceeding 500 watts, depending on the class of e-bike. E-bikes cannot have a combustion engine.
Maximum speed capability of 25 km/h on a clean, paved and level surface.
E-bikes and e-scooters must have a braking system that can stop the device travelling at maximum speed quickly. The motor must also stop when the accelerator is released or brakes applied.
A bell or horn must be sounded when passing pedestrians and other road users.
Front and rear lights must be turned on between sunset and sunrise.
Operators must wear an approved safety helmet whenever riding an electric kick scooter or e-bike.
You cannot ride on sidewalks or crosswalks, except if a sign or traffic control device allows for it.

North Vancouver RCMP officers say they are taking an "education first approach", as these bikes are relatively new, but note enforcement will be increased for those who repeatedly violate the rules.

ICBC does not register, license or insure electric bikes. British Columbia's e-bike requirements are laid out by the province HERE. E-scooter regulations can be found HERE.