E-bike complaints highlight safety questions in Calgary

E-bike complaints are rising across Calgary neighborhoods, with residents reporting reckless riding and property damage.

In Evanston, complaints about youth riding high-powered e-dirt bikes through parks and pathways have become the community's most dominant concern. Since fall 2025, riders on Surron e-motorbikes — which offer top speeds of 60 km/h to 110 km/h — have caused extensive property damage costing the community association thousands of dollars to repair.

"We do have elderly people that walk at the park and they're scared when those kids are around because they are reckless," said Mike Stiles, president of the Evanston-Creekside Community Association.

Similar concerns have been raised in Facebook groups tied to Coventry Hills, Harvest Hills, and Bowness, with excessive speed a main worry.

Under Alberta law, a legal e-bike has a maximum speed of 32 km/h, a 500-watt or smaller motor, and must have pedals. These can be used on sidewalks if pedal-assist is disengaged. Riders must wear a helmet and be at least 12 years old.

A bike reaching 70 km/h is classified as a limited-speed motorcycle or moped, requiring a Class 7 licence, insurance, and a helmet at all times. Anything exceeding 70 km/h is considered a motorcycle.

Calgary's pathways allow power-assisted bicycles but require a maximum speed of 20 km/h. Limited-speed motorcycles must remain on roadways and follow vehicle rules.

The online market for e-bikes is vast. Street Rides found 738 electric bikes, scooters, and trikes listed on Amazon Canada as of May 2026, with 67 brands identified. Temu lists over 1,400 items under e-bikes. Fifty percent of Amazon Canada listings had no identifiable brand, with the top 10 brands all originating from China. The concern is there's no guarantee of quality or warranty if products break.