Video shows teen e-motorcycle rider fleeing North Vancouver traffic stop, police urge parents to help

BC Highway Patrol has released video of a young man allegedly fleeing police on an e-motorcycle in North Vancouver, hoping his parents will come forward.

At about 6 p.m. on Aug. 28, a BCHP officer tried to stop an e-motorcycle rider on Grand Boulevard. Police say the rider, who appeared to have a low level of skill, accelerated through a stop sign instead. The motorcycle nearly collided with a car before leaving the area, according to BCHP.

The officer did not pursue the youth because of safety concerns. His face is blurred in the video as required by the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Police describe him as about 14 to 18 years old, with a slim build and a receding chin. He was wearing a bicycle helmet with a visor, a black hoodie, black cuffed jeans and black Adidas sneakers.

BCHP says it has seen more young riders trying to bait officers into a pursuit. Sgt. Michael McLaughlin said police are trying to keep everyone safe and need parents’ help to prevent children from hurting themselves or facing worse consequences.

McLaughlin said many people are buying electric motorcycles without pedals or signal lights that do not belong on public roads. He said children may promise to use the machines responsibly and stay off public roads, but that is not what police are seeing. Anyone who knows the youth’s identity is asked to call BCHP-Squamish at 604-892-6100.