Kingston Police see increase in use of prohibited vehicles

The Kingston Police wish to remind residents that off-road vehicles, including electric dirt bikes, are prohibited from operating on municipal streets, sidewalks, community parks, trails, and pathways within the City of Kingston. These vehicles may only be operated on privately owned or occupied property where permission has been granted.

Police have seen an increase in the number of these vehicles in the community. Specifically, police have noticed an increase in the number of young persons operating electric dirt bikes.

These bikes are permitted to be sold within in Ontario, however, can only be operated on private property and are strictly prohibited from operating on municipal streets, sidewalks, community parks, trails, and pathways within the City of Kingston.

Many of the bikes being sold are “unrestricted” and can reach speeds of 50-80km/h.

Police have also seen an increase in the use of power-assisted bicycles. A power-assisted bicycle, also called an electric bicycle or e-bike, is a bicycle with an electric motor that has a handlebar for steering, working pedals, two or three wheels, an electric motor and a braking system.

When riding an e-bike, you must, be 16 or older, wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet, keep your e-bike in good working order and follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists. Power-assisted bicycles or e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks as per City Bylaws.

For more information on e-bikes visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/riding-e-bike

The Kingston Police Traffic Safety Unit will be increasing education and enforcement in the coming weeks, especially during the first week of school, in an effort to keep road users and pedestrians safe from all forms of motor vehicles.