The sales and use of E-Dirt bikes have been increasing over the past few months.
E-Dirt bikes, particularly the Sur-Ron and Talaria brand bikes, have been making a noticeable appearance and RCMP has seen a sharp rise in reports of dangerous and erratic behaviours from riders of these bikes.
E-Dirt bikes are relatively new compared to traditional gas-powered dirt bikes. However, the rules for both remain the same.
These dirt bikes are strictly for off-road use only and are not permitted to be operated on roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, or any public space.
鈥淚n most cases, it鈥檚 unsuspecting parents who purchase these bikes for their kids, believing they are legal for road use鈥攂ut in fact, they are illegal,鈥 said spokesperson Cpl. Mansoor Sahak. 鈥淲e are taking this opportunity to educate parents on the use of E-Dirt bikes so that fines and injuries can be avoided.鈥
What makes these E-Dirt bikes illegal for street use?
鈥 E-bikes must be limited to 32 km/h 鈥 Some E-Dirt bikes can travel up to 110 km/h
鈥 E-bikes must not exceed 500W of power 鈥 E-Dirt bikes can output up to 22,000W
鈥 E-bikes must have usable pedals 鈥 Most E-Dirt bikes do not have pedals
If you are found riding an E-Dirt bike on a public road, you could be subject to Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) offences and fines:
No insurance: $598
No license: $276 and three demerit points
Riding a motorcycle without a required helmet: $138 and two demerit points
Driving without due care and attention: $368 and six demerit points
Driving without consideration: $196 and six demerit points
You may also be subject to Criminal Code offences, including:
鈥 Dangerous operation
鈥 Flight from a peace officer
鈥 Impaired operation of a motor vehicle
鈥 Subject to civil forfeiture