14-year-old arrested after dangerous e-dirt bike riding spree in Port Moody
Youth arrested after riding illegally on Ioco Road, performing wheelies and stunts in oncoming traffic. Police say the bike is capable of exceeding 100 km/h and cannot be legally insured.
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A 14-year-old youth was arrested June 26, afternoon after illegally riding an e-dirt bike along Ioco Road in Port Moody, performing dangerous maneuvers in traffic.
Around 2 p.m., plainclothes officers observed the youth riding in oncoming lanes during moderate traffic and performing wheelies and stunts. Officers facilitated an arrest once the rider stopped. The youth initially resisted but was taken into custody without further incident.
The e-dirt bike has been seized. Port Moody Police will recommend potential criminal charges including dangerous operation of a conveyance and Motor Vehicle Act offences. Constable Sam Zacharias said the offences carry serious consequences: "There can also be offences relating to no insurance, to the fact that the rider had no driver's license." Many people don't realize e-dirt bikes are classified as motor vehicles requiring insurance, unlike e-bikes. The bike in question cannot be legally insured in B.C. because it lacks turn signals and is designed for off-road use. It is capable of exceeding 100 kilometers per hour.
Police believe the youth is connected to other incidents around Port Moody involving an e-dirt bike, including an incident about two weeks ago when the rider allegedly rode through a restaurant. Zacharias suggests riders use Crown land adjacent to Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Eagle Mountain, where e-dirt bikes can be legally operated without insurance requirements.