E-bike and e-scooter incidents in Courtenay lead to arrests and tickets

Comox Valley RCMP are continuing the investigation into a series of incidents involving youths operating high-powered electric motorcycles and scooters dangerously on Courtenay roads, fleeing from police, and allegedly engaging in other disruptive and criminal behaviour.

 

On the evening of September 25, 2026, police received reports of riders performing stunts near Highway 19A and Dingwall Road. Police also received a report that an object had been thrown at a passing vehicle, causing damage.

 

Officers subsequently located two riders and attempted to stop them. Both fled from police. For public safety reasons, officers did not initiate a pursuit. Instead, they continued the investigation using other techniques. The riders were ultimately identified, located and arrested later that evening.

Police issued both riders multiple violation tickets and seized the electric dirt bike and scooter. Both individuals were released and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

 

As the first investigation was happening, police observed three additional riders in the parking lot of the Comox Valley RCMP detachment. The group appeared to be performing stunts and attempting to provoke officers into pursuing them. Their behaviour escalated when members of the group allegedly attempted to enter parked police vehicles.

 

Officers again avoided being drawn into a vehicle pursuit. Through a coordinated response involving several officers positioned around the detachment, police were able to safely arrest one youth and seize an electric scooter. The youth was issued violation tickets, their scooter was seized and they were released while the criminal investigation continues.

 

Police are continuing to investigate whether any of these youth are connected to other recent incidents that have been reported in the Comox Valley.

 

“These circumstances presented a difficult policing challenge because officers endeavoured to hold those involved accountable without allowing themselves to be drawn into a dangerous pursuit,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP. “Rather than allowing themselves to be drawn in, our officers relied on patience, coordination, observations and follow-up investigation. By the end of the evening, several individuals had been identified, arrests had been made, vehicles and evidence had been secured, numerous violation tickets had been issued, and criminal investigations were underway.”

 

Comox Valley RCMP are reminding parents and guardians that electric dirt bikes scooters are subject to provincial laws governing where and how they can be operated. Riders who fail to stop for police or operate in a manner that endangers the public may also face criminal investigation.

Comox Valley RCMP recognize the frustration caused by recent incidents involving e-dirt bikes and e-scooters, and appreciate the continued reporting. Each report matters and information that may seem minor on its own can help establish patterns, identify those involved or provide evidence for enforcement and potential criminal charges.

 

Anyone who witnesses dangerous or unlawful behaviour involving these vehicles is encouraged to report it to police. Where it is safe to do so, information such as descriptions of the rider and vehicle, location and direction of travel, and available video may assist investigators.