Ladysmith RCMP wants you to know the rules around e-bikes, e-scooters and e-dirt bikes

September 15, 2026 - Ladysmith, British Columbia
From: Ladysmith RCMP

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While e-bikes and e-scooters are permitted on public roads under specific regulations, e-dirt bikes are not legal for use on public roadways.

• E-bikes are speed-limited, have restricted motor output, are equipped with functional pedals, and are classified as bicycles. As such, they must follow the rules of the road that apply to bicycles. You must be 14 years of age ride a light e-bike (maximum 25 km/hr) and 16 years or older to ride a standard e-bike (maximum 32 km/hr). 
• E-dirt bikes, however, do not have pedals and rely solely on an electric motor. Because they do not meet the legal definition of an e-bike, they are considered off-road vehicles and cannot be operated on public streets.

Under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, both electric and gas-powered dirt bikes are classified as off-road vehicles and are prohibited from being operated on public roadways.

Anyone found operating an e-dirt bike on a public road may face charges and penalties under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, including:

• No insurance: $598, Sec 24(3)(b) MVA
• No driver’s licence: $276 and three driver penalty points, Sec 24(1) MVA 
• No helmet: $138 and two driver penalty points, Sec 194(3) MVA 
• Driving without due care and attention: $368 and six driver penalty points, Sec 144(1)(a) MVA 
• Driving without reasonable consideration: $196 and six driver penalty points, Sec 144(1)(b) MVA
• Seven-day vehicle impoundment
• Additional penalties for stunting-related offences

Tickets may be issued to either the rider or the registered owner of the vehicle. If an unlicensed youth receives tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act, those offences may affect their ability to obtain a BC driver’s licence in the future.

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