Mission RCMP reminds public that E-scooters in Mission are illegal, subject to fines

E-scooters are illegal in Mission on all public roadways and sidewalk. This includes main streets, side streets, public parking lots, and all sidewalks;
A person who rides an e-scooter where prohibited can be issued a $109 ticket. A parent who allows someone under 16 years old to ride an e-scooter where prohibited can also be fined $109.

E-Bikes

E-bikes are battery-assisted bicycles. They look similar to a regular bicycle, but carry many of the same risks as e-scooters, due to the increased speeds at which they can travel compared to a traditional bike:

E-bikes have to comply with many of the same regulations as bicycles (for example, riders must wear a helmet, and they cannot be ridden on a sidewalk), as well as the following:
- They must have fully functional pedals, which can be used while the battery-powered motor is working (you cannot remove the pedals!);
- The motor cannot be capable of moving the bike at more than 32 km/hr on a level surface;
- Riders must be at least 14 years old to ride an e-bike with a maximum continuous power rating of up to 250 watts (“light e-bikes”);
- Riders must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike with a maximum continuous power rating of 251 to 500 watts (anything more than 500 watts is classified as a limited-speed motorcycle – see below).

Limited-speed motorcycles

Limited-speed motorcycles are different from e-bikes, because they often do not have pedals, and have a motor with a higher power output that an e-bike. These sometimes look like an oversized bicycle, or can look more like a small motorcycle or highway scooter. They may be battery-powered or have a small gas engine:

These require registration and insurance, but you will only be able to get these if the cycle has a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) compliance label on it. Without that certification, it cannot be insured, and cannot be used on a public street.

Mission RCMP says they are putting safety and education first when it comes to e-scooters and e-bikes, however there may be times when a violation ticket is issued to a rider, or to the parent of a rider under the age of 16. Examples of these circumstances include: when someone is riding recklessly; if someone’s riding is a factor in a collision with a person or a vehicle; if a rider has already been stopped and warned on a prior occasion, and continues to ride illegally.

Ultimately, this is about safety, and if you’ve spent time driving around Mission, you’ve probably seen a close-call or two involving someone on an e-scooter or e-bike. No one wants to see somebody get hurt, so it’s important that riders and parents of riders understand the risks involved, and the rules surrounding their use.

Mounties have provided three links to websites from the provincial government.

E-scooter rules

E-bike rules

Cycling laws

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Mission RCMP reminds public that E-scooters in Mission are illegal, subject to fines

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