07/17/2026
Sometimes the stars align for a very important reason. Today was one of those days. It began as I read the morning CTV news feed and I saw a story about young Jayden King who is struggling to regain mobility and his active lifestyle after crashing his electric scooter. He faces a "long road of recovery."
That was followed around 1:30 this afternoon when I received a RAVE Alert from the Morinville RCMP talking about electric bikes, scooters and dirt bikes. I have copied the text below as the content is extremely good and worth noting.
Then on my way home from the office I saw two young ladies, perhaps 10 or 12 years old, on electric scooters pulling up to Centennial Park. Both were outfitted with helmets and appeared to be operating the devices cautiously.
At supper, the CTV news ran a feature on hospital visits caused by the use of these devices, sports injuries and playground bumps and bruises. Well-presented it talked about sober second thoughts and preventative opportunities before the injuries happen.
Hopefully the answer is in the presentation. Jayden, who was protected by a helmet and his mother never, anticipated a speed bump would cause him the injuries he sustained, the future he has to look forward to, or the losses he has already endured. Maybe the young girls I saw could have had elbow and knee protections. Maybe, just maybe, common sense will start to become a more important part of the conversation. HAVE A SAFE SUMMER!
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Morinville RCMP is reminding residents about the use of electric bikes, scooters and dirt bikes: Know before you ride.
With more electric bikes, scooters and dirt bikes on our streets this summer, Morinville RCMP want families to know the rules before buying or riding. These devices look similar but the law treats them very differently.
E-bikes (power bicycles) are road-legal, with limits. Working pedals, motor of 500W or less, assistance stops at 32 km/h. Helmet required; minimum age 12. Ride on roads and bike lanes like a bicycle.
Personal e-scooters are legal to own, but private property only. They are not currently permitted on public roads, sidewalks or pathways in Alberta. Keep them on private property, wear a helmet, and mind the speed — many go much faster than they look. Provincial rules may change; watch for updates.
Electric dirt bikes (Sur-Ron and similar) are not street legal. They cannot be insured for road use and cannot be ridden on any public street, sidewalk, pathway or park — private property (with permission) or designated OHV areas only, trailered or pushed there.
Parents and guardians: a sleek electric dirt bike bought online or second-hand is usually illegal on the road no matter how it is marketed. Riders can be ticketed (fines from roughly $97 to over $421) and the bike may be seized. If your child causes a collision on an illegal vehicle, you may be held legally and financially responsible. Know what you are buying, insist on helmets, and make sure your kids know where they can and cannot ride.
Call 911 for any activity in progress. For non-emergencies, call 310-RCMP. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com.
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