As electric-powered transportation devices become increasingly popular, Grande Prairie Enforcement Services is reminding residents that different types of devices are subject to different provincial regulations and municipal bylaws.
Understanding what type of device you are operating and where it can be legally used helps keep everyone safe and can prevent enforcement action.
"Whether you're riding an e-bike, e-scooter, or another electric-powered device, it's important to understand the rules that apply to it," says Peace Officer Sergeant Ryan Hoffman. "Our pathways, trails, and roadways are shared spaces, and responsible operation helps ensure everyone can use them safely."
E-bikes
Under Alberta legislation, a power-assisted bicycle (e-bike) must:
Have a motor with a maximum output of 500 watts
Have a maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h
Be equipped with fully operable pedals
Display a manufacturer's label identifying it as a power-assisted bicycle
E-bike riders must:
Be at least 12 years of age
Wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet
Follow all applicable traffic laws when operating on roadways
When using pathways and trails throughout Grande Prairie, riders must travel at a speed appropriate for conditions, stay on the right side of the pathway, provide an audible warning when passing, and be courteous to pedestrians and other trail users.
E-scooters
Under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act, e-scooters are not permitted on roadways or sidewalks. They may only be used on designated pathways and trails where permitted under City of Grande Prairie bylaws.
Riders are encouraged to be aware of where they can legally operate their devices and to share pathways responsibly with other users.
Electric dirt bikes
Many electric dirt bikes resemble e-bikes but do not meet the provincial definition of a power-assisted bicycle. If a vehicle does not have fully operable pedals designed to propel it, it is not considered an e-bike under Alberta legislation.
Electric dirt bikes are classified as off-highway vehicles and are not permitted on city roads, sidewalks, pathways, or trails. They may only be operated on private property with the property owner's permission.
Residents are reminded not to assume a vehicle is an e-bike simply because it is electric or resembles a bicycle. To be considered an e-bike under Alberta legislation, the vehicle must have fully operable pedals, meet power and speed requirements, and display a manufacturer's label identifying it as a power-assisted bicycle.
Where can these devices be operated?
Device | Roads | Sidewalks | Pathways & Trails | Private Property |
E-bike* | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
E-scooter | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Electric dirt bike (OHV) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Enforcement Services encourages residents to familiarize themselves with the rules that apply to their device before riding. Responsible operation helps keep Grande Prairie's roads, pathways and trails safe and enjoyable for everyone.
For more information about electric-powered vehicles and applicable regulations, residents are encouraged to review the City of Grande Prairie's Parkland Bylaw and Alberta's Rules & Regulations Applying to Small Vehicles or contact 311.
