Personal mobility devices: what you need to know

Last updated on July 9, 2024

New forms of motorized personal mobility devices like electric cycles, kick scooters and one (or solo) wheels provide convenient and affordable ways for people to get around. Not all personal mobility devices are legal for use on public roads, also called "highways."

It’s important to know what’s legal before choosing to purchase or use a device. 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. A person illegally operating a device can get a violation ticket and fine from police.

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. Devices that are not authorized by the legislation cannot be legally used on a public road.

The legislation sets minimum equipment standards that devices must meet to ensure safety, such as power and weight restrictions.

Any type of personal mobility device must first be tested and proven safe before it is authorized for use in B.C.

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 certain restrictions or conditions.

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.

Operators must also obey rules on how devices may be operated. 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. Using an illegal device can result in a violation ticket and fine from police.

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. The B.C. government may also test new types of devices on a limited basis as part of pilot projects. For example, a 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.

What is a highway?

Highways are broadly defined to include any road, street, lane or right-of-way for vehicle use by the public. This also includes private places or passageways used by the public to access vehicle parking or servicing. Cycle lanes and sidewalks also are considered part of a highway.

Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations

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