After a robbery investigation involving youths on e-dirt bikes and a separate stunt-riding incident in Langford, West Shore RCMP is warning parents that the high-powered machines cannot legally be ridden on public roads and could leave young riders facing hefty fines, vehicle impoundments and other penalties. Police say the recent incidents reflect a broader trend. Since May, West Shore RCMP has received more than 34 complaints involving e-scooters, e-bikes and e-dirt bikes, including reports of illegal riding on public roads and dangerous behaviour. Part of the challenge, police say, is that many people don’t realize e-dirt bikes are treated very differently under provincial law than e-bikes. Unlike e-bikes, which have pedals, limited motor power and are legally classified as bicycles, e-dirt bikes rely entirely on electric motors and are considered off-road vehicles under B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act. That means they cannot legally be operated on public roads, regardless of the rider’s age. The warning follows two incidents in Langford within days of each other that police say highlight the growing safety concerns surrounding the vehicles. On July 3, investigators say a group of four youths riding e-dirt bikes in the Walmart parking lot on Langford Parkway became involved in an alleged robbery. Police say one of the youths threatened a victim with bear spray and a knife before demanding personal belongings. One suspect was later arrested after abandoning an e-dirt bike and fleeing into a wooded area near Bear Mountain. Investigators continue to work to identify the remaining youths believed to have been involved. Anyone who was in the Walmart parking lot between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on July 3 and has dash camera footage or information that could assist investigators is asked to contact West Shore RCMP. Four days later, witnesses reported seeing a young rider performing wheelies and other stunts on an e-dirt bike in the parking lot of Millstream Village Shopping Centre. A 13-year-old was issued a $368 ticket for driving without due care and attention and the e-dirt bike was impounded for seven days. Police also encountered an 11-year-old riding an e-scooter during the same incident. Riders must be at least 16 years old to legally operate an e-scooter in B.C. Traffic Unit supervisor Cpl. Nathan Brown said the recent increase in complaints is a reminder for parents to understand exactly what they’re buying before handing an electric-powered vehicle to a child. “What concerns us most is the dangerous manner in which some e-dirt bikes are being operated,” Brown said in a statement. “These are high-powered machines that riders can easily lose control of, putting themselves and others at serious risk of injury.” Police say the consequences can extend well beyond a ticket. Depending on the circumstances, riders can face penalties for offences including driving without insurance, operating a vehicle without a driver’s licence, riding without a helmet and driving without due care and attention. E-dirt bikes can also be impounded and tickets issued to unlicensed youth may affect their ability to obtain a B.C. driver’s licence in the future. With more electric-powered vehicles appearing on neighbourhood streets during the summer months, police say parents who understand the rules before making a purchase can help keep young riders safe, avoid costly penalties and prevent situations that put others at risk.
