Three young e-dirt bike drivers are facing heavy fines after being stopped by police and now the Maple Ridge RCMP are putting out a warning about the illegal usage of these bikes on public streets.
On April 29, police stopped a youth who was doubling a friend on an e-dirt bike as they travelled at a speed of about 60 km/h along 232 Street.
The off-road electric motorcycle the pair was riding was not approved for use on public streets ‑ as e-dirt bikes do not have pedals and rely solely on an electric motor, they do not qualify as e‑bikes and cannot be operated on public streets.
Police issued violation tickets for no insurance and the pair received stern warnings about various motor vehicle offences.
Officers also had a talk with the family of the youth who owned the bike, who recently purchased if “for a large sum”, but were unaware that e-dirt bikes are not permitted on public roads.
Then, on May 5, Maple Ridge RCMP stopped two young illegal e-dirt bike riders after receiving repeat complaints about a group of riders driving erratically on city streets by a local secondary school.
The driver was issued a violation ticket of $598 for not having insurance, and an additional ticket for $276 for not having a driver’s license.
Police also had a talk with the youth and their parents around the rules of e-dirt bikes and warned them about further penalties if “this type of driving behaviour continued.”
“Education has been our primary focus when it comes to e-dirt bikes riders and their parents or guardians,” explained Maple Ridge RCMP Road Safety Target Team Cpl. Eric Obermayer.
“Due to the recent uptick in complaints and visible public safety concerns we are observing, however, we are now taking a more measured enforcement-based approach where applicable,” he said.
The rules of use for e-dirt bikes are the same as gas-powered dirt bikes.
Some electric motorcycles are street‑legal. However, said Obermayer, 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: $598 for having no insurance; $276 and three demerit points for having no license; $138 and two demerit points for not wearing a helmet; $368 and six demerit points for driving without due care; $196 and six demerit points for driving without consideration; a seven-day vehicle impoundment; and stunting-related offences.
Obermayer noted that as the end of the school year and the summer holidays approach, Maple Ridge residents can expect to see police prioritize high-risk driving behaviour to prevent tragic collisions – including enforcement on those riding illegal micromobility vehicles, like e-dirt bikes.
“Road safety is a top priority for our detachment, and we want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer including our youth,” he continued.
“Please make sure you follow the appropriate rules and regulations surrounding micromobility vehicle use and familiarize yourself with the requirements of e-dirt bikes before purchasing them for you or your family.”