Port Moody police crack down on illegal dirt bike use, warn of safety risks and hefty fines

Port Moody police are warning residents about the dangers and legal consequences of riding dirt bikes on city streets after a 13-year-old was ticketed for operating an electric dirt bike at twice the speed limit in a residential neighbourhood last weekend.

The incident occurred on the evening of Aug. 16 on Noons Creek Drive, where patrol officers observed the teen travelling uphill at 60 km/h in a 30 km/h corridor. Police said the boy’s parent was called to the scene, the bike was removed from the roadway and a violation ticket was issued.

The case is just one of dozens of calls Port Moody police have fielded this year about gas and electric dirt bikes being driven in a dangerous manner, particularly in the Heritage Woods area.

“These bikes do present a risk to public safety as we have had several recent near misses involving dirt bikes on our streets with other motorists and pedestrians,” said Const. Sam Zacharias. “Operating an unlicensed dirt bike on the road – electric or gas – could land you a minimum $598 ticket for no insurance.”

Police say many riders – and parents – may be unaware of the distinction between e-bikes and electric dirt bikes. Under provincial law, a bike must meet several requirements to be classified as an e-bike rather than a motor vehicle.

• It must not be capable of exceeding 32 km/h on a flat surface.
• It must be equipped with working pedals and cranks.
• Its motor must not exceed a certain wattage threshold.
• Riders must be at least 14 years old.

Any bike that does not meet these criteria requires a licence, registration and insurance to operate on public roads — just like a motorcycle. Riders without them face significant fines.

Port Moody police also reminded riders that there are no legal areas within city limits to operate gas or electric dirt bikes. The nearest designated space is on Eagle Mountain crown land in Anmore.

Zacharias urged parents to take an active role in understanding the rules before allowing their children to ride.

“Parents should be aware of the regulations,” he said. “While these bikes are marketed as recreational equipment, they can pose a very real danger when used improperly on our streets.”