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Sea to Sky RCMP are promoting safe and responsible use of e-bikes

Squamish

2024-10-17 09:00 PDT

As the popularity of E-mobility devices continues to rise in Squamish, the Sea to Sky RCMP and District of Squamish would like to remind residents and visitors of the importance of safety and responsible riding practices. To ensure the safety of all road users and promote a positive shared space, residents and visitors are encouraged to follow the following guidelines in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act and District of Squamish Bylaws.

What are E-Bikes?

E-bikes are power-assisted cycles that have a motor to help propel the device. B.C. laws define e-bikes as motor-assisted cycles and ICBC does not register, license or insure these bikes. E-bikes must not go faster than 32 km/hr and be no more than 500W. Some motor- assisted cycles look like mopeds and scooters (limited-speed motorcycles), but the rules for operating motor-assisted cycles and limited-speed motorcycles are not the same. E-bikes are also not e-motorcycles which require registration, licensing and insurance.

Electric dirtbikes that exceed 500W, such as Surron bikes, are not highway legal as they are not authorized by legislation and surpass the classes of e-bikes listed below. Electric one-wheeled devices, such as electric unicycles, are illegal for highway use according to current legislation because they do not have fully operable pedals (or hand cranks) capable of propelling the cycle.

What is a highway?

Highways are broadly defined to include any road, street, lane or right-of-way for vehicle use by the public. This also includes private places or passageways used by the public to access vehicle parking or servicing. Cycle lanes and sidewalks also are considered part of a highway.

Classes of E-Bikes in B.C.

Classes of E-Bikes in B.C.
-	Standard e-bike	E-Bike Light
Minimum rider age	16	14
Maximum motor-assisted speed	32 km/h	25 km/h
Maximum motor power	500W	250W
Throttle assist	Yes	No

legal green electric bike — Legal green electric bike

Legal black and white electric motorcycle

Illegal electric dirt bike over 500 watts

When riding your e-bike follow all the rules that apply to cyclists

Obey traffic signs and lights: yield to pedestrians.
Wear a safety helmet: always wear an approved safety helmet when riding an e-bike.
Follow the speed limit.
Ride single file: do not ride beside another person operating a cycle or e-bike except to pass.
Do not ride while impaired or distracted: never operate an e-bike while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or when using a cellphone or other electronic device.
Follow passenger rules: you cannot carry a passenger unless your cycle is designed and equipped for it. A rider under 16 cannot carry any passengers on an e-bike.
Use hand signals: safely signal intent to turn, slow down, or stop by using standard hand signals.
Use lights and reflectors at night: a white light mounted in the front, a red reflector, and a red light mounted in the rear are required when riding between sunset and sunrise.

Sea to Sky RCMP- Squamish will be conducting an educational campaign through the district and in schools, as well as targeted enforcement in the community. Together, we can create safer roads for everyone. Let’s commit to being vigilant, obeying traffic laws, and looking out for one another. Your cooperation makes our community stronger and our streets safer. Says, Sea to Sky RCMP-Squamish Sergeant Dallas Langley.