We are preparing a new bylaw that will guide e-mobility and e-bike use in Whistler and match provincial law. The bylaw will allow some e-bikes on the Valley Trail, municipal roads, Highway 99, and Forest Service Roads, while keeping them off environmentally sensitive pedestrian‑only paths, protected nature trails as well as the Mt Sproatt alpine trail. Devices that don’t meet provincial standards — like undefined e‑bikes, e‑motorcycles, motorized skateboards, and electric kick scooters — will not be allowed for safety reasons.
People must ride at safe speeds that don’t put others at risk or interfere with their enjoyment. Serious violations will lead to fines. Instead of a hard-to-enforce speed limit on the Valley Trail, the proposed bylaw requires riders to travel at responsible and safe speeds. We will be adding safety and etiquette signage, encouraging fast riders to use roads, exploring joint enforcement with the RCMP, and looking at ways to widen busy trail sections.
Provincial e-bike legislation
The province defines an e-bike as having:
- Useable pedals (or hand cranks)
- An electric motor not exceeding 500 watts that stops providing power above 32 km/hour
- An e-bike may or may not have a throttle.
Electric adaptive mountain bike
Electric mountain bikes that are adapted for users with limited mobility, including 3-wheel variations. Please note that adaptive mountain bikes are not permitted on hiking-only trails.
Where can I ride my e-bike in Whistler?
E-bikes are not permitted on the following off-road trails:
- Mount Sproatt and Rainbow Mountain alpine trails (anything above Flank Trail including Lord of the Squirrels, Into the Mystic, With a Twist, On the Rocks, Happy Hour, Pot of Gold, LESS, upper Chipmunk Rebellion, and Don’t Look Back). This restriction supports environmental considerations, user safety and grizzly bear management in the alpine terrain.
- Emerald Forest Conservation Area, except for the access road connecting Lorimer Road and Alta Lake Road
- Any and all designated hiking-only trails including the Lost Lake Nature Trail, Rainbow Lake and the Skywalk network.
Areas that are not accessible by e-bike are marked with signage. If there is no signage, e-bikes are generally permitted. Be courteous around other trail users, abide by directional trail signs, and always ensure you have more than enough battery for the complete round-trip.