E-bikes, scooters not a major issue in Melfort so far: RCMP

Both e-bikes and e-scooters can travel quite quickly, with both equipped with an electrical power source. The machines can be a little jarring to those seeing them for the first time, and Case said there isn’t much in the way of legislation for the use of them.

“[E-bikes] can be pedaled, or they can be operated by the electric power source to it,” said Case. “There’s not a lot of extra regulations to them, when operating them.”

Case said users, and other motorists, need to know that e-bikes and e-scooters need to follow the rules of the road like any other vehicle. That means driving on the same side as a vehicle, stopping at stop signs and red lights, and yielding at yield signs.

Some are concerned about e-bikes and e-scooters in larger communities where traffic is a little more hectic. Case said that same concern hasn’t been an issue in Melfort thus far.

The one restriction that e-bikes and e-scooters face is speed. Case said as long as they travel 32 km/h or less, they are considered the same as a bicycle or scooter. Should an e-bike travel faster than that, then it’s considered a motorcycle, which comes with many regulations including protective equipment, and specialized licenses and registrations. Case said it’s important for people to check the specifications of their machines prior to purchase to ensure they are not breaking those speed limits.

Though there are no legislated equipment regulations for e-bikes (provided they meet the speed requirement), Case said some communities may have bylaws in place, so it’s important for operators to know the rules in their city or town.

The age limit for operating an electric bike is 14 years, while it’s 16 years for an electric scooter. However, Case said an e-bike is considered a bicycle, which does not require any type of licensing – and that can be a grey area. Regina Police recently issued nearly $4,000 worth of traffic tickets against three children 14 and under after they refused to stop for police while riding e-dirtbikes and e-scooters at high speeds through streets and paths.

Regulations may be few and far between for e-bikes and e-scooters, but Case said there is a safety message he would like to pass along. He said the machines may seem easy to operate; however, they can be challenging to the uninitiated.

“It’s not as easy as just jumping on it and going,” Case said.

Earlier this month, a 34-year-old man was killed in an e-bike crash in Regina. That case is still under investigation, but police believe that the cyclist collided with a vehicle that was turning into a parking lot.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

With files from CKOM, CJME

by Cam Lee

E-bikes, scooters not a major issue in Melfort so far: RCMP

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