Electric transportation devices are becoming more common, but not all are treated the same under provincial law. Before you ride, make sure you understand which rules apply to your device.
E-Scooters, E-Bikes, Limited-Speed Motorcycles and E-Dirt Bikes:
Know the Differences, Know the Rules.
E-Scooters
- Not permitted on roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, sports fields, or multi-use trails in Maple Ridge. E-scooters may only be operated in parks within certain areas but can’t be ridden on roads or sidewalks to access those areas
- Maple Ridge is not part of the provincial e-scooter pilot program
- Riders operating e-scooters where prohibited may receive violation tickets and may have their scooter seized
- Learn more about e-scooter pilot programs from the Province
E-Bikes (motor assisted cycles)
- Permitted where bicycles are allowed
- Must follow the same traffic laws as bicycles
- Riders must wear a bicycle helmet
- Minimum rider age: 16 (14 for low-powered e-bikes)
- Maximum motor power of 500W (250W for low-powered e-bikes)
- Maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h
- Learn more about e-bike rules from the Government of British Columbia
Limited-Speed Motorcycles
- Permitted on roads only
- Require a valid driver’s licence, registration and insurance
- Motorcycle helmet required
- Follow all Motor Vehicle Act rules
- Not permitted on sidewalks, bike lanes or multi-use trails
- Learn more about limited-speed motorcycle rules from the Province.
E-Dirt Bikes / Mini-motorcycles
- Only permitted on private property or approved off-road areas
- Not permitted on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, sports fields or multi-use trails
- Lack required safety features and cannot be registered or insured for on-road use
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 | Light e-bikes: 25 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 | 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 | Cannot be registered or insured | Do not meet safety standards |
Fines
Failure to follow provincial regulations may result in fines, including:
- $29 for not wearing a bicycle helmet
- $109 for many e-bike and e-scooter offences
- $276 for operating certain devices without a licence
- $598 for operating certain devices without required insurance
Unpaid traffic fines may affect your ability to obtain, renew or upgrade your driver’s licence.
Parents and guardians can also receive violation tickets for allowing underage youth to operate an e-bike or e-scooter.
Learn more: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/tickets/fines-points-offences
Learn More
Visit the Province of British Columbia for detailed information about E-bike rules, Electric kick scooter rules, Limited-speed motorcycle requirements.
If you’re unsure whether your device is legal to operate, check the provincial requirements before riding.