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B.C. RCMP

News release

Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit removes e-dirt bikes from city streets

May 27, 2026 - Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP

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E-Dirt Bikes on flatbed tow truck
E-Dirt Bikes on flatbed tow truck

In response to increased complaints from Kelowna residents, the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit is prioritizing enforcement of high-risk micromobility vehicle use. 

Micromobility vehicles include e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds, e-dirt bikes, and mini-motorcycles. Officers are proactively identifying and addressing vehicles being operated contrary to their regulations and intended uses. To enhance public safety, enforcement actions are primarily initiated while vehicles are stationary.

A strong emphasis is placed on safe intervention and education, with officers engaging riders and, when applicable, their guardians. These interactions focus on raising awareness about safety requirements, legal obligations, and the potential liabilities associated with improper use. Where circumstances warrant, a measured enforcement approach is applied.

Last week, while conducting routine traffic safety patrols, officers encountered three underage riders operating e-dirt bikes dangerously in traffic. The situation escalated when the riders fled from police but were later located without incident.

The youth now face significant financial penalties under the BC Motor Vehicle Act. The three e-dirt bikes were impounded and are subject to civil forfeiture.

“Traffic safety remains a focused priority for the Kelowna RCMP, with specific attention on high-risk driving behaviour,” said Corporal Steven Lang, Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer. “When necessary, our officers will take appropriate enforcement action to help prevent a tragic collision in our community.”

For more information about micromobility vehicles please see the included infographic image. 

In response to increased complaints from Kelowna residents, the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit is prioritizing enforcement of high-risk micromobility vehicle use. 

Micromobility vehicles include e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds, e-dirt bikes, and mini-motorcycles. Officers are proactively identifying and addressing vehicles being operated contrary to their regulations and intended uses. To enhance public safety, enforcement actions are primarily initiated while vehicles are stationary.

A strong emphasis is placed on safe intervention and education, with officers engaging riders and, when applicable, their guardians. These interactions focus on raising awareness about safety requirements, legal obligations, and the potential liabilities associated with improper use. Where circumstances warrant, a measured enforcement approach is applied.

Last week, while conducting routine traffic safety patrols, officers encountered three underage riders operating e-dirt bikes dangerously in traffic. The situation escalated when the riders fled from police but were later located without incident.

The youth now face significant financial penalties under the BC Motor Vehicle Act. The three e-dirt bikes were impounded and are subject to civil forfeiture.

“Traffic safety remains a focused priority for the Kelowna RCMP, with specific attention on high-risk driving behaviour,” said Corporal Steven Lang, Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer. “When necessary, our officers will take appropriate enforcement action to help prevent a tragic collision in our community.”

For more information about micromobility vehicles please see the included infographic image. 

 

Micromobility: Know the Rules before you Ride Infographic

Infographic: Micromobility: Know the Rules before you Ride. Not all small or electric vehicles are treated the same under the Motor Vehicle Act
 

Where can I ride?

How old do I need to be?

How fast can I go?

Licence and Insurance?

What Else Should I Know?

E-Bike

Anywhere where bicycles can ride!

14 + for light e-bikes 
16+ for standard e-bikes

Light e-bikes: 25 km/h
Standard e-bikes: 32 km/h

No Drivers License or Insurance required

Must have fully operable pedals

E-Scooter

Only in communities participating in the pilot project 

16+

25 km/h

No Drivers License or Insurance required

Illegal outside of pilot communities

Moped/LSM

On public roadways only

16+

70 km/h

Drivers License and Insurance required

CMVSS compliance label required

E-Dirt Bike

Not on roads, sidewalks or bike lanes

Not legal at any age on public roads

Not permitted on
public roads

Cannot be registered or insured

Not legal e bikes or LSMs

Mini-Motorcycle

Not on roads, sidewalks or bike lanes

Not legal at any age on public roads

Not permitted on
public roads

Cannot be registered or insured

Do not meet safety standards

Image gallery

Contacts

Corporal Steven Lang
Media Relations Officer
Kelowna RCMP
steven.lang@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
250-762-3300
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