Castlegar RCMP remind public to know the rules for electric transportation devices
By BC RCMP
With warmer weather and an increase in the availability of electric transportation devices, the Castlegar RCMP are reminding users to familiarize themselves with local laws and regulations before operating these devices.
Police have observed a rise in the use of electric transportation devices—including e‑bikes, e‑scooters, and more recently e‑dirt bikes—on sidewalks, bike lanes, roadways, and other public spaces throughout the community.
Each type of device is governed by different provincial regulations and, in some cases, municipal bylaws or pilot programs. It is the responsibility of the user to understand and comply with the rules in the area where they are operating.
The Province of British Columbia provides online resources to help users determine what devices are permitted and how they must be operated. The Castlegar RCMP would like to highlight several common concerns observed in the community:
E‑Bikes (Power-Assisted Cycles)
E‑bikes are bicycles equipped with an electric motor that assists with propulsion.
- A licence and insurance are not required.
- Riders must meet minimum age requirements depending on the class of e‑bike.
- Cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as drivers, including obeying traffic signs and signals and yielding to pedestrians.
- Riding on sidewalks is not permitted.
- Riders must use bike lanes where available and travel in the correct direction.
E‑bike requirements in British Columbia include:
- Functional pedals or hand cranks that can propel the bike
- An electric motor (no combustion engine) within allowable power limits
- Safety mechanisms to stop motor engagement when braking or not pedaling
- Securely fastened motor and battery components
- Two or three wheels (minimum 350 mm diameter)
- A braking system capable of bringing the bike to a quick stop
E‑bike classes in B.C.:
| Classification | Minimum Age | Max Speed | Max Power | Throttle |
| Standard E‑bike | 16 | 32 km/h | 500W | Yes |
| Light E‑bike | 14 | 25 km/h | 250W | No |
Devices that do not meet these criteria may:
- Be illegal to operate on public roads, or
- Require licensing, registration, and insurance
Electric Kick Scooters
Electric kick scooters are stand‑up devices with a platform and handlebars.
- Use is prohibited in Castlegar.
- Castlegar is not participating in the provincial e‑scooter pilot program and has no bylaws allowing their use.
- Operating an e‑scooter in Castlegar may result in a violation ticket and fines of up to $598.00.
E‑Dirt Bikes / Limited Speed Motorcycles (LSMs)
Limited speed motorcycles must meet strict requirements under the Motor Vehicle Act.
- Operators must hold a valid driver’s licence and insurance.
- These vehicles may only be used on public roads—not in bike lanes or restricted areas.
LSM requirements include:
- Maximum 50 cc engine or 1.5 kW electric motor
- Maximum speed of 70 km/h
- Automatic transmission (no clutching or shifting required)
- Maximum weight of 95 kg (excluding fuel/batteries)
- Wheel diameter of at least 254 mm
Vehicles must also display a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) compliance label to be legally registered and insured.
Devices that do not meet all requirements are considered illegal to operate on public roads.
Violations may include:
- No Insurance: $598.00
- No Driver’s Licence: $276.00
“The Castlegar RCMP, in partnership with the City of Castlegar Bylaw Department, will continue to focus on public education and targeted traffic enforcement to reduce risk and improve road safety,” said Staff Sergeant Monty Taylor of the Castlegar RCMP.
For more information on e-bike requirements, please visit the resources below.
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