Government Moves to Crack Down on High-Powered E-Bikes — Enforcement Set to Intensify
TNN News understands that high-powered, unlicensed and uninsured e-bikes operating on Bermuda’s roads are now firmly in the sights of Government and the Bermuda Police Service, with stepped-up enforcement expected to begin following today’s announcement.
The Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, the Honourable Owen Darrell, is set to address the public alongside the Bermuda Police Service regarding the growing concerns surrounding high-powered electric bikes and what Government says is the misuse and misinterpretation of existing legislation.
Speaking exclusively with TNN News, Minister Darrell made it clear that, contrary to what some members of the public may believe, new legislation is not currently required to deal with many of the machines being seen on Bermuda’s roads.
Minister Darrell said Government has reviewed the existing auxiliary cycle and motorcycle provisions under the Motor Car Act and determined that many of the high-powered machines currently being operated on public roads already fall under existing legislation.
The minister stressed that if a vehicle is required to be licensed and insured, operating it without those requirements is illegal.
He also expressed concern over the speed and design of some of the newer machines, noting that many are capable of speeds well beyond those associated with traditional pedal bicycles.
According to Minister Darrell, some of the machines being seen on Bermuda’s roads lack basic road-safety equipment, including mirrors, headlights and rear lights.
He said the situation becomes even more concerning when underage riders are involved, or when the machines are operated recklessly among motorists who are properly licensed and insured.
Government will now embark on what Minister Darrell described as a targeted public communications campaign to remind residents of the law.
A grace period will also be provided until the end of October 2026 to allow owners who want to legally operate their machines on public roads to take the necessary steps to make them roadworthy.
However, the minister was clear that the grace period does not make illegal operation lawful.
It does not apply to underage riders, nor does it permit the operation of an unlicensed or uninsured vehicle.
Instead, the grace period is intended to give owners an opportunity to determine whether their machines can legally be placed on the road and, if possible, bring them into compliance.
That could include installing required equipment such as mirrors, headlights and rear lights before presenting the vehicle to the Transport Control Department for examination.
If TCD determines that the machine meets the applicable requirements and is roadworthy, the owner can then proceed with obtaining insurance and licensing.
Minister Darrell also addressed the growing number of newer machines that resemble small motorcycles or scramblers and can reach considerably higher speeds than conventional electric bicycles.
He explained that classification ultimately rests with TCD, which will assess the vehicle’s specifications, including its power output, and determine whether it falls within the legal category of an auxiliary cycle, motorcycle or another classification.
The minister acknowledged that some machines may simply be too powerful to legally operate on Bermuda’s public roads.
He compared the issue to motocross motorcycles, pointing out that powerful motocross machines can be used legally within the appropriate sporting environment but are not automatically legal for use on public roads.
Minister Darrell said the Government has consulted with the justice system and the Bermuda Police Service regarding enforcement.
With police expected to stand alongside the minister at today’s press conference, the message from Government is clear:
Operating an applicable high-powered e-bike or electric motorbike on Bermuda’s roads without the required licence and insurance is an offence, and enforcement will be stepped up.
The minister also indicated that Government may eventually consider amendments to the legislation to provide even greater clarity regarding the distinction between traditional electric pedal cycles and electric motorbikes, including potential thresholds based on maximum speed and power output.
For now, however, Government’s position is that the law already exists.
Minister Darrell said the immediate objective is to ensure that the public understands the existing requirements, provide a limited opportunity for owners to bring qualifying vehicles into compliance, and then move forward with enforcement.
He also appealed to parents to exercise particular responsibility, noting concerns about adults riding alongside children under 16 on these high-powered machines.
The minister said that while a family bike ride may appear recreational, the appropriate choice for younger children is a traditional pedal bicycle rather than a high-powered vehicle being operated on public roads.
TNN News will be at today’s press conference and will bring you the latest developments, including further details on exactly which e-bikes fall under the existing legislation, what TCD will be looking for during inspections, and what motorists and riders can expect from the stepped-up enforcement.
Stay tuned to TNN News — Bermuda News as it happens.
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