News release

E-scooters and e-bikes: some “e-asy” rules to follow

April 23, 2026 - City of Prince George, British Columbia
From: Prince George RCMP

Content

E-scooters and e-bikes have become popular modes of transportation in recent years, and with soaring gas prices some people may be looking at them as budget-friendly alternatives. However, there are some specific regulations that everyone needs to be aware of to ensure we are all staying safe on our shared roadways this summer.

In September 2025, Prince George City Council voted to take part in the provincial e-scooter pilot project, which means e-scooters are legal to ride on our roadways with some exceptions:

• You must be 16 years old or older to ride an electric kick scooter. Parents and guardians must not allow children under the age of 16 to ride an electric kick scooter. 
• Handlebars for steering with a platform in the middle for standing (cannot have a seat/sitting surface or enclosure)
• One or two front wheels and one or two rear wheels placed along a longitudinal axis
• One or more electric motors powered by batteries, with a continuous power output rating not exceeding 500 watts.
• Weight not exceeding 45 kg, including motors and batteries.
• Maximum speed capability of 25 km/h on a clean, paved and level surface.
• A braking system that can stop the device travelling at maximum speed quickly. The motor must also stop when the accelerator is released or brakes applied.
• A bell or horn that must be sounded when passing pedestrians and other road users.
• Front and rear lights that must be turned on between sunset and sunrise (lights may also be worn by the operator).
• Wear an approved safety helmet whenever riding an electric kick scooter
• You cannot ride on sidewalks or crosswalks, except if a sign or traffic control device allows for it.

Cyclists and e-bike riders are required to follow the rules of the road, just like drivers in vehicles. In addition, here are some extra things to know about e-bikes:

• You must be 16 years or older to ride a standard e-bike. Parents or guardians of children below the minimum age must not knowingly let them ride an e-bike. Children between the ages of 14 and 16 can ride a light e-bike.
• Pedals (or hand cranks) that can propel the e-bike. The pedal or hand crank must be useable when the motor is engaged and propelling the e-bike
• An electric motor with a certain maximum power output, depending on the class of e-bike. E-bikes cannot have a combustion engine.
• Safety features that stop the motor propelling the e-bike, e.g. when braking, not pedaling, or not applying the throttle
• You must not tow or carry a passenger unless your e-bike is designed and equipped for it. A rider under 16 must not tow or carry any passengers on a light e-bike, even if it designed to do so.
• A braking system that can quickly bring the e-bike to a stop

“City of Prince George staff take great pride in maintaining our parks, trails, and public spaces for everyone to enjoy. We strongly encourage residents to do their part in keeping our community safe, whether that’s speaking to your children about safe operation of e-bikes and e-scooters or reviewing the laws and local bylaws yourself,” says Kent McNeill, Bylaw Services Manager.

“As the weather improves and our days continue to get longer, we will start to see more mixed roadway usage. It is important that everyone is aware of the rules of the road to ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable summer,” states Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

 Don’t forget to read our media release on safe road-cycling tips for information on how drivers and cyclists can work together to keep each other safe while sharing our roads.

Quotes

City of Prince George staff take great pride in maintaining our parks, trails, and public spaces for everyone to enjoy. We strongly encourage residents to do their part in keeping our community safe, whether that’s speaking to your children about safe operation of e-bikes and e-scooters or reviewing the laws and local bylaws yourself.

Kent McNeill, Bylaw Services Manager

As the weather improves and our days continue to get longer, we will start to see more mixed roadway usage. It is important that everyone is aware of the rules of the road to ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP

Related products

• Sharing is caring: How to stay safe on our mixed-use roadways | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Associated links

• E-bike requirements - Province of British Columbia
• Bike and e-bike rules and safety - Province of British Columbia
• Electric kick scooter rules and safety - Province of British Columbia

Contacts