Teen fined, e-dirt bike impounded after police catch him doing wheelies in North Vancouver

Police shared this photo of the impounded illegal e-dirt bike. (North Vancouver RCMP)

A teenager caught doing wheelies on an illegal e-dirt bike has been fined $368 and had his vehicle impounded for seven days, according to North Vancouver RCMP.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. Wednesday on Viewlynn Drive, the detachment said in a news release Thursday, while also highlighting what it says is a pattern of dangerous behaviour by young people riding electric mobility devices.

The 15-year-old boy stopped Wednesday was seen riding “at a high rate of speed” and “performing wheelies,” Mounties said.

“The rider was standing on the seat with his right foot and holding the handlebars with both hands,” the release reads. “Officers were able to safely stop the rider a short distance later.”

The youth was issued a ticket for stunting and had his bike impounded. His parents were also notified, police said.

According to North Vancouver RCMP, the ticket issued Wednesday was the 15th the detachment has handed out for e-mobility vehicle offences since May 14—an average of about one a day.

“These tickets include violations for no insurance, no driver’s licence, no helmet, and underage riders,” the release reads.

The detachment says it has stepped up enforcement efforts in recent weeks, following a months-long education campaign that began in January.

“This followed an increase in complaints related to the unsafe, reckless, and illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters on streets, in parks, and in other public spaces,” police said. “A significant proportion of the concerns involved youth behaviour, including riding without helmets, operating on sidewalks, and travelling at excessive speeds in pedestrian areas.”

North Vancouver RCMP advised anyone unsure about the legality of their electric bike or considering purchasing one to review provincial rules and requirements.

To qualify as an e-bike, a vehicle must have an electric motor with a maximum power output, pedals or hand cranks that can propel it when the motor is not in use, two or three wheels of at least 350 millimetres in diameter, and a braking system.

Other requirements also exist, and there are two different classes of e-bikes in B.C. regulations, which have different minimum age requirements for riders.

ICBC does not register legal e-bikes and a licence is not required to ride one that complies with regulations. An e-bike that doesn’t comply with regulations may require a licence and registration to operate.

“Traffic safety remains a focused priority for the North Vancouver RCMP, with specific attention on high-risk driving behaviour,” said Cpl. Mansoor Sahak, in the release.

“When necessary, our officers will take appropriate enforcement action to help prevent a tragic collision in our community.”