Four e-dirt bikes seized in Coquitlam following investigation into street racing

This article has been amended since first publishing to clarify that the youths were not cited for street racing.

Four tickets were handed out and four vehicles were seized last week after four youths were found riding e-dirt bikes near Coast Meridian Road and David Avenue, according to Coquitlam RCMP.

Police were investigating after getting a complaint about youths on e-bikes racing in the area.

E-dirt bikes can only be ridden off-road or on private property.

“Complaints involving e-dirt bikes have increased significantly in our community,” stated Coquitlam RCMP media relations officer Sgt. Adriana O’Malley in a press release.

O’Malley noted that riders can have their bikes impounded and face fines ranging from $138 for not wearing a helmet to a $598 penalty for not having insurance.

“Parents and guardians need to know that these vehicles are not legal to operate on public roads, sidewalks, parks, bike lanes, or school grounds,” she stated.

The June 22 incident occurred days before a youth was arrested in Port Moody after allegedly doing stunts and riding against Ioco Road traffic on an e-dirt bike.

PMPD acknowledged “growing frustration” around illegal dirt bikes being driven dangerously on city streets, most often by youth.

Separate from e-bikes, high-powered electric dirt bikes typically can’t be registered or insured.