West Shore RCMP warn parents and guardians after spike in e-mobility complaints

July 9, 2026 - West Shore, British Columbia
From: West Shore RCMP

Content

File: 2026-12934

West Shore RCMP is reminding the public to understand the rules surrounding e-mobility devices after seeing a significant increase in complaints involving their use.

Since May 2026, West Shore RCMP has received more than 34 complaints involving e-scooters, e-bikes and e-dirt bikes being operated on public roadways.

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.

“It is important for parents and guardians to understand the rules and regulations surrounding the different types of e-mobility devices before purchasing one for their child,” said Cpl. Nathan Brown, who oversees the West Shore RCMP Traffic Unit. “What concerns us most is the dangerous manner in which some e-dirt bikes are being operated. These are high-powered machines that riders can easily lose control of, putting themselves and others at serious risk of injury.”

Just this week on July 7, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., West Shore RCMP responded to a report of an e-dirt bike being driven dangerously in the parking lot of Millstream Village Shopping Centre, located at 2401 Millstream Rd. in Langford. Witnesses reported seeing the rider performing wheelies and other stunting manoeuvres.

Traffic Unit officers attended and located the rider, who was found to be 13 years old. Officers also encountered an 11-year-old operating an e-scooter. While e-scooters are legal in British Columbia, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate one.

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.

The 13-year-old rider was issued a violation ticket for driving without due care and attention, resulting in a $368 fine. The e-dirt bike was also impounded for seven days.

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.

Associated links

• Road Safety RCMP
• E-Bike Requirements - Province of B.C.
• Off Road Vehicles - Province of B.C.

Contacts