The Regina Police Service (RPS) is raising several safety concerns about the use of electric bicycles, electric dirt bikes and electric scooters around the city. On Thursday, RPS revealed three boys – aged 12, 13 and 14 – were issued more than $3,900 in traffic tickets after refusing to stop for police while riding their e-dirt bikes and e-scooter. Police said the incident happened around 8 p.m. Wednesday when a traffic safety officer was patrolling the area around Lakeridge Road and Rochdale Boulevard. A news release said the officer saw three youths on e-dirt bikes and a fourth on an e-scooter, allegedly not complying with the rules of the road. The officer attempted to pull them over, but they didn’t stop, according to RPS. Officers alerted the Aerial Support Unit which was able to locate the youths as they fled to a green space in the area. Two ground officers were able to find them there, but three of the youths fled. The one who stayed spoke to police. Police were later able to find the other three boys at their homes and issued each of them a traffic fine of $1,310. Constable Mike Seel says the incident could have also netted the boys a criminal charge. “When we spoke to the parents, we said ... [the boys] could be criminally charged for not stopping for the police,” Seel said. “But they also were blowing red lights at 70 kilometres an hour through traffic at 8 o’clock at night. We said not only could they have hurt someone else, they could have been seriously injured or killed by another vehicle on the road.” A public reminder Wednesday’s incident was one of several which urged police to remind the public of the importance of road safety. On Thursday, RPS outlined problems concerning e-bikes and e-scooters being driven at unsafe speeds, on sidewalks, and even by underage youth. Police also say many operators have failed to follow traffic rules, causing near-miss incidents involving pedestrians and motorists. “We are reminding the public, including parents and young riders, about the importance of following regulations and practicing safe riding habits to ensure everyone is sharing our public spaces safely,” RPS said in Thursday’s update. The minimum age to operate an e-bike is 14 years old. For e-scooters, it’s 16. An e-bike is a power-assisted bicycle with pedals while e-dirt bikes are defined as gas-powered cycles, electric bicycles larger than 500 watts or electric bicycles without pedals. E-dirt bikes are considered motorcycles and subject to standard motorcycle licensing requirements. Tips to stay safe RPS took the time to remind the public of the following rules: On top of that, RPS urged riders to practice safety by remaining alert, wearing bright or reflective clothing, using lighting, using a bell to alert pedestrians when passing them or to give verbal warnings, and to wear a helmet.
