News release

Let’s talk E-bikes, dirt bikes and all bikes motorized

June 6, 2025 - Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP

Content

With the increasing popularity of E-bikes and E-dirt bikes on the road, the Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit has been cracking down on high risk and unauthorized drivers.

The sales and use of E-Dirt bikes has been increasing over the past few months. E-Dirt bikes, more specifically the Surron and Talaris brand bikes have been making a commanding appearance in the city, and the Kelowna RCMP has seen a quick increase in violations and dangerous operating behaviours with drivers of these bikes.

E-Dirt bikes are relatively new compared to the traditional gas-powered dirt bikes, however, the rules for both remain the same. The Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit want to remind the public of the rules and implications for not adhering to the laws surrounding these types of bikes.

These dirt bikes are for off road use only, they are not allowed to be operated on the road, sidewalks, bike lanes or any place the public may be,

They are subject to Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) offences and fines:
•    No insurance $598,
•    No license $276 and three demerit points,
•    Ride motorcycle without required helmet $138 and two demerit points,
•    Drive without due care and attention $368 and six demerit points,
•    Drive without consideration $196 and six demerit points.

Subject to 7-day vehicle impoundment
•    Stunting.

Subject to Criminal Code offences
•    Dangerous Operation,
•    Flight from Peace Officer,
•    Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Subject to Civil Forfeiture,
•    They are not covered under any insurance policy and can expose you to personal Civil Liability,
•    There is zero tolerance as this is high-risk behaviour,
•    If an infraction is issued, this can cause increased insurance premiums when declaring these high-risk drivers on family vehicles.

“Offences relating to the Motor Vehicle Act may include high risk driving and penalty point premiums,” says Cst. Tyler Hug of the Kelowna Municipal Traffic Unit. “These can result in increased insurance costs, additional fines, license suspensions and prohibitions upon attempting to obtain a driver’s license, and/or affecting youth operators before being eligible for a driver’s license.”

The Kelowna RCMP will continue to target unsafe motorists and cyclists with increased traffic enforcement and projects aimed at reducing risk continuing to keep communities safe.

For more information about road safety visit Road safety | Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

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