E-Bike use in Whistler

Table of contents

1. Latest status, project overview, timeline and engagment, and project objectives
2. Phase 1 research: Current context and reality
3. Current regulations
4. Classification of e-bikes 

Latest status

The first phase is now complete. This included research, development of project objectives, and initial engagement and discussions with key stakeholders.

The second phase is currently in progress and includes development of draft policy directions, as well as staff, public and stakeholder engagement. A community open house and survey are planned for March 2019. Details will be shared on this project page once available. 

Overview

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is currently leading a project with the Whistler Centre for Sustainability to develop guidelines or regulations for the use of e-mobility devices on the Valley Trail and local recreation off-road trails managed by the RMOW, Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA), and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (provincial Crown Lands) within the boundaries of the Cheakamus Community Forest.

Whistler Blackcomb and their Controlled Recreation Area (CRA) and BC Parks are outside of the geographic scope for this project, but staff are consulting with them to ensure alignment with policy directions.

The project began in fall 2018 and will be completed in spring 2019.

What’s an e-mobility device?

There are a wide range of e-mobility devices, which can use 100 per cent human power, 100 per cent motor, or a combination of both. These include:

• several classes of e-bikes
• e-adaptive mountain bikes (electric mountain bikes that are highly adapted for users with limited mobility in their limbs from spinal cord injuries or other disabilities)
• motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• other personal mobility devices (e.g. e-scooters, e-skateboards, e-Segways and non-bike e-devices). 

Timeline and engagement

This 2018–2019 project includes five phases:

Phase 1 (winter 2018/19) - COMPLETE
This phase included development of project objectives, research and evaluation of e-bike policies in other communities and initial engagement and discussions with stakeholders.

Seventeen stakeholder interviews were conducted with organizations and groups including Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA), Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE), Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Adaptive Sports, Trials 99, Whistler Search and Rescue, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, BC Parks, and the Mature Action Committee, Forest and Wildland Advisory Committee, Recreation and Leisure Advisory Committee, and local businesses

Phase 2 (January and February 2019) - IN PROGRESS
Development of draft policy directions; staff, public and stakeholder engagement.

• A community open house and survey are planned for March 2019. Details will be shared on this project page once available.

Phase 3 (March and April 2019)
Development of policy or regulations

Phase 4 (May 2019 onwards)
Implementation and public communication

Phase 5 (Ongoing)
Monitoring and evaluation

Project objectives

The following e-bike project objectives were developed by the project team and were reviewed and supported by stakeholders in Phase 1 of the project: