Kingston police warn of surge in illegal electric vehicles

Kingston police have issued a public advisory regarding a surge in illegal electric vehicles being operated on city streets, bike lanes, and public trails. The warning coincides with the return of thousands of students to the university district, prompting increased enforcement by police and by-law compliance officers.

Authorities noted that while e-bikes are a popular and affordable transportation method, many devices currently in use do not meet the legal definitions set by Ontario’s Moving Ontarians More Safely Act. Under provincial law, a legal e-bike must have working pedals, a motor not exceeding 500 watts, and a maximum speed of 32 km/h.

Police reported seeing electric dirt bikes, such as Talaria and Sur-ron models, which lack pedals and can reach speeds of 80 km/h in stock form, with some modifications pushing speeds over 100 km/h. These are classified as off-road vehicles permitted only on private property. Operating such vehicles on public roadways can result in charges similar to operating an unregistered motor vehicle.