Medicine Hat police remind riders of the Alberta rules for electric motorcycles

A rise in electric motorcycles on Medicine Hat streets is prompting a reminder from the police service that some of the vehicles require registration, insurance and a motorcycle licence under Alberta law.

Police said they have seen an increase in electric motorcycles on local streets, with some vehicles being mistaken for e-bikes.

Under Alberta legislation, an electric-powered vehicle may not qualify as an e-bike if it produces more than 500 watts of power, cannot be propelled by muscle power, can exceed 32 km/h, or otherwise does not meet the requirements for an e-bike.

Vehicles classified as electric motorcycles must follow the same rules as other motorcycles when operated on public roadways, including having valid registration, insurance and the appropriate class of driver’s licence.