Latest news with #Talaria
Global News
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Global News
They might ‘look really cool,' but these e-dirt bikes are illegal on B.C. roads
They look cool, they go fast, and they are absolutely not safe or legal to operate on the road. That's the message North Vancouver RCMP are delivering to parents after an uptick in incidents involving electric dirt bikes on the community's streets. 'We've seen many reports of people driving aggressively, riding to people without a helmet. The youth, particularly, are the ones that we're seeing riding these e-dirt bikes,' Cpl. Mansoor Sahak told Global News. 1:55 Castlegar man has close call in e-bike fire 'We're taking this opportunity to educate parents as we're seeing that it's mostly unsuspecting parents who are purchasing these e-dirt bikes for their kids and unbeknownst to them that they're actually illegal to be road driven.' Story continues below advertisement Police are particularly seeing a number of Sur-Ron and Talaria brand e-dirt bikes. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Sahak said many parents buy the vehicles believing they are e-bikes. However, e-dirt bikes differ from e-bikes in several key ways that make them illegal to operate on the road. While regular e-bikes are limited to a maximum speed of 32 km/h and a maximum of 500W of power, some e-dirt bikes are capable of hitting speeds of 110 km/h with a power output of up to 22,000W. They also lack pedals, something mandatory for an e-bike. 'You can purchase them, but they cannot be driven on public roadways. That means sidewalks, laneways, bike lanes, car highways, they cannot be driven,' Sahak said. 'It's illegal. You can't ride them, period.' 1:16 Kelowna bike park re-opened Beyond the danger, getting caught riding an e-dirt bike on the roadway could come with serious consequences. Story continues below advertisement Riders could be hit with a variety of financial penalties under the Motor Vehicle Act, including no insurance ($598), no licence ($276) and no helmet ($138). If they're riding dangerously, they could also be subject to charges under the Criminal Code, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle or impaired driving. Police are also reminding parents that if their child racks up infractions, it could impact their family's insurance premiums. While e-dirt bikes cannot be insured or operated on the road, Sahak said they are legal to own and operate on private property. 'They look really cool, but get to know the laws surrounding where you can ride them. We're not saying they're illegal to ride. You just can't ride them on public roadways,' Sahak said. 'Spend that extra little money and get a proper e-motorcycle where you can register and have a driver's licence and get a plate for it and have it insured.'
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
‘Erratic' e-dirt bike riders trigger warning from North Vancouver RCMP
An electric dirt bike is seen in this photo provided by the North Vancouver RCMP. Mounties in North Vancouver say they've seen a 'noticeable' increase in the number of electric dirt bikes being operated on city streets over the past few months. The detachment issued a warning Thursday, reminding residents that these bikes – like their gas-powered counterparts – are only permitted off-road, and should not be ridden on city streets or sidewalks or in designated bike lanes. 'The North Vancouver RCMP has seen a sharp rise in reports of dangerous and erratic behaviours from riders of these bikes,' a statement from police said, adding that the Sur-Ron and Talaria brand bikes are among the most commonly spotted. 'In most cases, it's unsuspecting parents who purchase these bikes for their kids, believing they are legal for road use – but in fact, they are illegal.' E-bikes have a maximum speed of 32 km/h and a maximum power of 500 watts, the RCMP said, while e-dirt bikes can go up to 110 km/h and have power up to 22,000 watts. Another important distinction is that e-bikes must have pedals, which are usually not present on e-dirt bikes, according to police. Fines for operating an e-dirt bike illegally can include a $598 penalty for driving without insurance and a $368 ding for driving without due care and attention. Drivers can also rack up demerit points. Criminal charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle are also possible, police warned. 'We are taking this opportunity to educate parents on the use of E-dirt bikes so that fines and injuries can be avoided,' the statement from the RCMP said. 'The North Vancouver RCMP will continue targeting unsafe motorists and cyclists through increased traffic enforcement and initiatives aimed at reducing risks and keeping the community safe.'
