Emerging modes of personal transportation

New forms of motorized personal mobility devices like electric cycles (e-bikes), kick scooters and one (or solo) wheels can be a convenient and affordable way to get around. Not all personal mobility devices are legal for use on public roads.

New forms of motorized personal mobility devices  can be a convenient and affordable way to get around. You must make sure a device is legal before using it. Even if a device is available for purchase, you are responsible for ensuring that it is legal to use on a public road, sidewalk or other public space.

You must make sure a device is legal before using it. Even if a device is available for purchase, you are responsible for ensuring that it is legal to use on a public road, sidewalk or other public space.

On this page

• What are personal mobility devices?
• What motorized devices are legal?
• What motorized devices are illegal?
• Will other devices become legal?

What are personal mobility devices? 

The Motor Vehicle Act and regulations define what types of vehicles and personal mobility devices may be legally used on public roads. You cannot use a device on a public road if the device is not authorized by the legislation.  

Personal mobility devices must first be tested and proven safe for road use.  

Once a device has been determined to be safe for operators and other road users, it may be authorized by legislation for use on public roads, subject to any restrictions. You must also follow any signage and know the rules in your community. 

What motorized devices are legal? 

The Motor Vehicle Act and regulations currently permit and set rules for the following types of motorized devices to be used on a public road: 

• Motor assisted cycles (e-bikes)
• Electric kick scooters (in pilot project communities only)
• Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• Limited speed motorcycles (requires registration, insurance and a licence)

Each of these devices must meet specific requirements to be legal for public road use, such as maximum motor power and speed capability. 

Operators must obey road and safety rules. For example, you may be required to use a device only in certain places, be of a minimum age and wear safety equipment such as an approved bicycle safety helmet. 

What motorized devices are illegal? 

Any device not authorized by legislation is illegal for road use. You could get a violation ticket and $598 fine for operating an illegal device. 

Devices not currently authorized by legislation

Any type of motorized cycle that does not have:

• Fully operable pedals (or hand cranks) capable of propelling the cycle, including when the motor is engaged and providing assistance propelling the device 
• A Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) compliance label permanently affixed to the device 

Any type of: 

• Electric one-wheeled device 
• Powered hoverboard or skateboard 
• Mini motorcycle (i.e. pocket motorcycles) 

Will other devices become legal? 

B.C.’s transportation laws are periodically updated to allow new devices to be used on public roads. If a new device is approved, the legislation will be updated.  

The B.C. government may also test new types of devices on a limited basis as part of pilot projects. For example, the electric kick scooter pilot project is currently underway from April 5, 2024 to April 5, 2028 to test electric kick scooter use in participating communities. The results of pilot projects are used to determine if and how devices should be authorized for permanent use in B.C.