E-bikes
B.C. has two classes of e-bike, set by the Motor Assisted Cycle (E-Bike) Regulation.
A standard e-bike has motors rated at 500 W or less in total, and the motors can’t push it past 32 km/h on flat pavement (s. 3). It can have a throttle, but the motor must cut out when the rider stops pedalling, releases the throttle or brakes. Riders must be 16 or older (s. 9).
A light e-bike has motors rated at 250 W or less, stops helping at 25 km/h, and assists only while the rider pedals, with no throttle (s. 6). Riders must be 14 or older (s. 8).
A rider under 16 can’t carry or tow a passenger (s. 10). The province says every e-bike rider must wear a bicycle helmet. Riders don’t need a licence or insurance. A bike over these limits may count as a motor vehicle that needs a licence and insurance. Breaking the e-bike rules can bring a $109 fine or impoundment.
E-scooters
E-scooters are legal on public roads only in communities that joined the provincial pilot. The pilot regulation is repealed on April 5, 2028 (s. 45), and the province will use the results to decide whether to allow e-scooters for good.
The scooter must be built for one standing rider with a handlebar and up to 4 wheels no larger than 430 mm. It can’t have a seat or pedals. Its motors must be rated at 500 W or less in total and can’t push it past 25 km/h (s. 3).
On the road:
- Riders must be 16 or older (s. 7) and wear a bicycle helmet (s. 19).
- Where a road has a bike lane, the rider must use it (ss. 10, 11).
- On a road posted above 50 km/h with no bike lane, riding is allowed only where a sign or bylaw permits it (s. 10).
- Sidewalks and crosswalks are off limits unless a sign permits riding there (ss. 12, 13).
- No passengers or towing (s. 26).
- At night, the scooter needs a white or amber front light and a red rear light, which can be worn by the rider (s. 36).
As of September 2026, the communities taking part include Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Victoria, Saanich, Kelowna and Kamloops. Surrey, Delta and New Westminster aren’t on the list. The province’s pilot page has the full list.
Onewheels, e-unicycles and e-skateboards
The Motor Vehicle Act doesn’t allow electric one-wheeled devices or powered boards on public roads. ICBC says they can’t be ridden on roads, sidewalks or bike lanes. They can be ridden on private property with no public vehicle access, and on trails or paths where a city bylaw allows them. Police can fine a rider up to $598.
Cities
Each pilot community can add its own rules, such as limiting e-scooters to certain roads or allowing them on paths. Cities also set the rules for e-bikes on shared paths.