Calgary police warn of rising illegal use of high-powered e-bikes endangering neighborhoods

Calgary police are sounding the alarm over a rising number of teenagers using high-powered e-bikes illegally on sidewalks and pathways, endangering neighborhoods and putting riders at serious risk.

The warning comes after a chase that led to the arrest of two youths on Tuesday. Calgary Police Service arrested two of three youth who, police allege, were performing stunts and riding electric dirt bikes "dangerously" in the southwest community of Coach Hill until approximately 1:30 a.m. The riders fled after being asked to stop by officers. Police helicopters eventually helped track the riders as they sped through neighbourhoods. Both suspects now face charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle and flight from police.

"We've heard a lot of complaints and have been asked a lot of questions lately about electric scooters and electric motorbikes, collectively known as prohibited vehicles or micro mobility devices," said Inspector Robbie Patterson, CPS Traffic Section, on Wednesday. "This is not just a local, but an issue in communities across Canada."

On Aug. 8, police charged a 16-year-old with dangerous driving after riding an electric bike at 70 km/h on walking paths, green spaces and on the wrong side of the road in the northwest community of Citadel. Police also issued seven tickets to the rider, who did not have a proper licence, insurance or registration.

"A few years ago, this was not an issue," Patterson said. "Now we see them just about everywhere." He blamed the problem on an increasing variety of e-bikes that have flooded the market. Amazon listed nearly 750 electric bikes, scooters and trikes by 67 brands as of May, according to Street Rides, a Canadian-based e-bike and e-scooter retailer. Temu displayed over 1,400 similar items, bringing the total stock to 2,000 before considering specific e-bike retailers like Surron, big box giants like Walmart and Canadian Tire, or drop-shipping stores like Alibaba.

According to the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, a legal e-bike or power-assisted bicycle has a maximum speed of 32 km/h, a 500-watt or smaller electric motor and must have pedals. These bikes can be used on sidewalks, but pedal-assist cannot be engaged. Anyone riding a power-assisted bike must wear a helmet and be at least 12 years old.

A bike that tops out at 70 km/h is considered a limited speed motorcycle or moped, and requires a Class 7 licence, insurance and a helmet. Anything over 70 km/h is classified as a motorcycle. Calgary's pathways allow power-assisted bicycles at a maximum speed of 20 km/h. Limited speed motorcycles must remain on roadways and follow vehicle rules.

A CPS spokesperson said it is difficult to track data on rising complaints since they mainly fall under bylaw violations. Traffic violation data also doesn't differentiate between other breaches and those involving e-bikes. Patterson said police currently use several laws under the Traffic Safety Act to enforce the rules but are "struggling with some of those pieces to put them in place." Officers are also exploring ways to hold adults who provide those bikes to youth accountable.