The Kelowna RCMP are reminding electric bike (e-bike) and electric dirt bike riders about the rules of the road.
According to the RCMP, sales and use of e-dirt bikes has increased over the last few months, with the most common brands, Surron and Talaris bikes being spotted the most. Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit has been quick to notice these bikes and have seen an increase in violations and "dangerous operating behaviours" on the road.
While e-dirt bikes are newer vehicles, they follow the same rules as gas-powered bikes.
“Offences relating to the Motor Vehicle Act may include high risk driving and penalty point premiums,” said Const. Tyler Hug of the Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit. “These can result in increased insurance costs, additional fines, license suspensions and prohibitions upon attempting to obtain a driver’s license, and/or affecting youth operators before being eligible for a driver’s license.”
The RCMP want to remind the public of the rules and implications for not following to the laws surrounding these bikes:
- These dirt bikes are for off road use only, they are not allowed to be operated on the road, sidewalks, bike lanes or any place the public may be;
- They are subject to various Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) offences and fines:
- No insurance $598,
- No license $276 and three demerit points,
- Ride motorcycle without required helmet $138 and two demerit points,
- Drive without due care and attention $368 and six demerit points,
- Drive without consideration $196 and six demerit points.
- Subject to seven-day vehicle impoundment
- Stunting.
- Subject to Criminal Code offences
- Dangerous Operation,
- Flight from Peace Officer,
- Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
- Subject to Civil Forfeiture,
- They are not covered under any insurance policy and can exposure you to personal Civil Liability,
- There is zero tolerance as this is high-risk behaviour,
- If an infraction is issued, this can cause increased insurance premiums when declaring these high-risk drivers on family vehicles.
The RCMP will be increasing its traffic enforcement and projects, targeting unsafe motorists and cyclists to reduce risk and keep the community safe.
