RCMP road safety and the growing use of e-bikes and e-dirt bikes

May 28, 2026 - North Cowichan/Duncan, British Columbia
From: North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP

Content

Recent growth in the sale of e‑dirt bikes has led to more of these electric vehicles operating on local streets, raising public safety concerns. It is important for riders and parents to understand that e‑dirt bikes are not the same as street‑legal e‑bikes and are subject to different rules under the BC Motor Vehicle Act.

While e‑dirt bikes are newer than gas‑powered dirt bikes, the rules governing their use remain the same.

• E‑bikes are speed‑limited, have restricted motor output, are equipped with functional pedals, and are classified as bicycles. They must follow bicycle rules of the road.
• E‑dirt bikes do not have pedals and rely solely on an electric motor, meaning they do not qualify as e‑bikes and cannot be operated on public streets.

Some electric motorcycles are street‑legal; however, these vehicles are registered, insured, and equipped with required safety features such as turn signals and brake lights. E‑dirt bikes, like gas‑powered dirt bikes, cannot be insured for on‑road use. 

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

• No insurance – $598
• No driver’s licence – $276 and three demerit points
• No helmet – $138 and two demerit points
• Driving without due care – $368 and six demerit points
• Driving without consideration – $196 and six demerit points
• Seven‑day vehicle impoundment
• Stunting‑related offences

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP suggest that e-dirt bike riders utilize appropriate transport such as a carrier hitch mount, truck or trailer to areas in the Cowichan Valley that allow these e-dirt bikes.

Locally, police will continue to enforce the BC Motor Vehicle Act when it comes to the use of e-dirt bikes and take appropriate enforcement action. This is not to penalize, target or take away from the fun of these bikes but we need to ensure both public and road safety are the priority.

Related products

• Road Safety - RCMP

Associated links

• E-Bike Requirements - Province of British Columbia

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