NORTH Vancouver RCMP are reminding the public that e-dirt bikes and other high-powered electric motorcycles are not street legal, and are looking to identify two suspects who fled from police.

On Thursday, July 23 at approximately 2 p.m., an officer from the North Vancouver RCMP Traffic Unit was conducting proactive enforcement when he observed two individuals riding e-dirt bikes on Highland Boulevard toward Edgemont Boulevard. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop by activating his emergency lights and sirens. The riders failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed. Due to safety concerns for the riders and the public, the officer did not pursue.

“In an effort to identify the suspects, police are releasing images of the riders and are hoping the public will help identify them,” said Cpl. Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for North Vancouver RCMP.

Since January, police, along with public safety partners, have conducted educational campaigns targeting parents and youth about the dangers of e-dirt bikes and e-scooter-related safety issues. This followed an increase in complaints related to the unsafe, reckless, and illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters on streets, in parks, and in other public spaces. A significant proportion of the concerns involved youth behaviour, including riding without helmets, operating on sidewalks, and travelling at excessive speeds in pedestrian areas.

“While our education and enforcement efforts have worked, there continues to be a small group of individuals who continue to defy the law and the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act by riding these e-dirt bikes illegally,” said Sahak. “We need parents to step up and speak to their child if they own an e-dirt bike. These bikes are not street legal, and parents need to ensure they are being used only where permitted. Failing to do so puts their child and others at risk and may result in enforcement action.”

Anyone with information about this incident or who recognizes the suspects is asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file 26-15176. Anyone who wishes to provide information but remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).