Vancouver Island authorities crack down on e-bike and e-scooter safety

Police and school officials on Vancouver Island are increasing enforcement and education regarding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters by students. Authorities in Saanich and Vernon have reported incidents involving young riders, including a collision in Vernon where a 13-year-old on a non-street-legal e-bike ran a stop sign and struck a passenger vehicle.

In response to rising concerns, the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district (SD68) has implemented a strict policy: any student arriving at school on an e-bike or e-scooter will have the device removed from the property. Parents will be required to come to the school to retrieve the equipment, as students will not be permitted to ride the devices home.

Law enforcement officials are urging parents to review the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act before purchasing micromobility devices. Police noted that many e-bikes used by youths are actually e-dirt bikes, which carry the same licensing requirements as motorcycles.