Hidden cameras show some stores unlocking speed limits on e-bikes, selling e-scooters that go up to 120 km/h
A hidden camera investigation reveals that several major Canadian retailers are selling e-bikes and e-scooters that exceed provincial speed limits or are marketed to underage riders. The report highlights a lack of consistent enforcement and growing public concern over rising injury rates.
Why it matters
The proliferation of high-speed personal electric vehicles without strict regulatory oversight poses significant public safety risks in urban environments.
A new hidden camera investigation by Marketplace shows how some stores are selling e-scooters and e-bikes with top speeds much higher than provincial speed limits and with recommended rider ages younger than provincial regulations allow.
Most provincial traffic laws limit e-bikes and e-scooters to 32 kilometres per hour or less. Age restrictions, meanwhile, vary across the country, ranging from 12 to 18. The territories and some provinces have no minimum age to ride.
That means it is mostly up to local police services to enforce these rules at a time when the number of injuries caused by these vehicles is climbing yearly, and public calls are growing for stronger, consistent rules nationwide and better enforcement .
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