British Columbia’s e-bike laws no longer reflect how many families and communities actually use e-bikes today—especially in communities like Squamish and throughout the Sea to Sky corridor.

E-bikes have become a practical, affordable, and environmentally responsible transportation solution for families. In many BC communities, youth rely on them to get to school, sports, recreation centres, jobs, and activities safely and independently.

However, the current law prohibits riders under 16 from operating standard 500W e-bikes, despite the reality that many younger teens are already using them daily. This has created growing concerns around safety, enforcement, and a lack of clear education or licensing requirements for youth riders.

Rather than relying on outdated laws and reactive enforcement, BC should adopt a modern, structured approach that balances:

• safety
• education
• accessibility
• environmental responsibility
• and realistic transportation needs for families

We are calling on the Province of British Columbia to modernize e-bike legislation by introducing a youth licensing system modeled after Quebec’s successful framework.

We are asking the Province of BC to:

• Introduce a youth e-bike licence or certification program for riders aged 14–17
• Lower the minimum legal riding age for standard 500W / 32 km/h e-bikes from 16 to 14
• Require youth riders to complete basic road safety and rules-of-the-road education
• Reduce strain on police resources by replacing unclear enforcement with structured education and licensing
• Recognize e-bikes as a legitimate long-term transportation solution for BC communities

Why this matters:

• Communities depend on e-bikes, especially if they are spread out with limited public transit. 
• E-bikes have become an essential transportation tool that helps teens access school, sports, jobs, and activities independently while reducing traffic and vehicle dependence.
• Families need affordable transportation options. Especially during a time of rising fuel prices and affordability challenges, e-bikes provide families with a realistic alternative to purchasing and operating additional vehicles.
• For many households, e-bikes effectively function as a second car replacement.
• Safety concerns should be addressed through education—not outdated laws.

Concerns around youth riders are valid. Some teens are riding irresponsibly, and communities are seeing increasing enforcement efforts and police involvement. But the solution is not simply banning or restricting access.

The solution is:

• licensing
• education
• accountability
• and modern regulations that reflect how e-bikes are actually being used today

BC should lead on sustainable transportation. British Columbia prides itself on being environmentally forward-thinking and committed to reducing emissions. Encouraging safe, regulated e-bike use among youth aligns directly with:

• climate goals
• active transportation initiatives
• reduced traffic congestion
• and more sustainable communities

Quebec has already implemented a balanced system allowing riders aged 14–17 to legally operate compliant e-bikes with proper licensing and safety education. BC should move quickly to explore a similar model.

Sign this petition to support safer, smarter, and more modern e-bike laws in British Columbia.