Traffic chief urges e-bike riders to comply with road safety rules

With e-bike use on the rise, Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh has issued a call for stricter adherence to road safety laws, emphasising that e-bike riders must follow the same regulations as other motorists.
Speaking on the issue in an interview with Guyana Times, the Traffic Chief pointed out that, while e-bikes offer convenience, they also introduce risks when riders do not adhere to safety guidelines.
“The law speaks clearly to what an e-bike is,” the Chief explained, noting that e-bikes, by law, must be registered and meet the same standards as motor vehicles. He reminded the public that owning and operating an e-bike requires a driver’s licence, registration, and compliance with basic safety measures, such as wearing helmets.
“Traffic education seeks to sensitise [e-bike riders] that they need to use the road following the rules of the road,” he stated, underscoring the need for riders to prioritise both their own safety and that of other road users.
The Traffic Chief explained that the Traffic Education Department is actively working to raise awareness among e-bike users, especially those who are new to the rules of the road. He noted that officers have been reaching out to educate the public on the importance of licensing and registration.
As e-bike-related incidents become more common, the Chief also stressed the importance of consistency in road safety compliance. “[The law] requires a licence and fitness [certificates],” he noted, adding that riders without these essentials put themselves and others at risk.
The Traffic Department has announced plans to ramp up enforcement in areas where e-bike use is most prominent, hoping to promote safer streets and ensure that all road users, regardless of vehicle type, comply with the law.
Just last year, they were amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic laws, which seek to regulate the use of electric bikes.
The new regulatory framework aims to address the rising number of road fatalities and incidents involving electric bikes. The bill was passed in the National Assembly in April last year.
Supported unambitiously in Parliament the Bill defines electric cycles as motorcycles with electric motors and effective braking systems. It mandates that electric cycles adhere to the same registration and usage rules as conventional motorcycles.
These bikes, costing between $70,000 and $150,000 and with speeds below 50 km/h, have become popular due to their affordability and ease of use. (G9)