E-Bikes & Scooters
**To be considered a Bicycle or E bike a bike must have pedals and those pedals must be operable, and capable of powering/moving the bike**
**If an E-Bike’s motor exceeds 500w or does not meet/comply with any of the other requirements, it is illegal**
Micromobility – BC Motor Vehicle Act Violations & Fines
Type | Where can I ride? | Age | Speed | Licence / Insurance | Primary MVA / Regulation Violation(s) | Typical Ticket (BC) |
E‑Bike (Compliant) | Anywhere bicycles permitted (no sidewalk) | 14+ light Ebike | 25 / 32 km/h | None | E-Bikes must have pedals and be capable of being operated with pedal | -Cycle w/out required helmet Sec 184(1) $29 -Ride cycle on sidewalk Sec 183(2)(a) $109 -Carry more persons than designed and equipped for Sec 183(2)(g) $109 |
16+ standard | ||||||
E‑Scooter (Pilot) (Pilot communities) | Anywhere bicycles permitted (no sidewalk) | 16+ | 25 km/h | None | Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regs | Under Age 16 Operating Sec 7(1) $109 |
Moped / LSM | Roadways only | 16+ | ~70 km/h | Required | Limited Speed Motorcycles meant for use on roadways as such must be registered, licensed, insured and operated by a licensed driver(Cl 5 or 7N) | -No vehicle license Sec 13(1)(a) $109 - No insurance Sec 24(3)(b) $598 -No driver's license Sec 24(1) $276 Seize, Tow & Impound |
E‑Bike (>500W / Non‑Compliant) | Not legal as bicycle | Must be licensed | N/A | Required | If an E-Bike is over powered(500W+) or does not meet fit E-Bike Criteria it is a Motor Vehicle and must be registered, licensed, insured and operated by a licensed driver (Cl 5 or 7N) | Same typical tickets as E‑Bike (>500W / Non‑Compliant) Seize, Tow & Impound -Carry Passenger unlawfully on motorcycle . Sec (2) 194(2)(a) $109 |
E‑Dirt Bike | Not permitted on roads | Not legal | N/A | Cannot insure | -Not properly equipped for use on roadway | Same typical tickets as E‑Bike (>500W / Non‑Compliant) Seize, Tow & Impound |