Q&A - Prohibited Drivers and Ebikes

Q&A ImageI have recently read a number of articles regarding suspended drivers using ebikes as a sources of transportation. Some people have questioned if this was legal or not as they assumed these ebikes were governed under the Motor Vehicles Branch regulations. Could you please provide some clarity for this concern.

Comments

Electric Bicycles

"cycle" means a device having any number of wheels that is propelled by human power and on which a person may ride and includes a motor assisted cycle, but does not include a skate board, roller skates or in-line roller skates;

Motor assisted cycle requirements are set out in the Motor Assisted Cycle Regulation.

One caution: if the motor assisted cycle has had the pedals removed, it is no longer a cycle and becomes a motor vehicle.

ICBC has more information to help you decide if your vehicle is a cycle or a motorcycle on their web site.

If the vehicle is not a cycle or a motor assisted cycle then it is a motor vehicle and requires a license to drive. If you are suspended or prohibited from driving you can be charged if you are driving a motor vehicle, but not if you are riding a cycle or motor assisted cycle.

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