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E-bikes, Scooters and Similar Personal Transport Devices

E-bikes, Scooters and Similar Personal Transport Devices
Enforcement begins: 1st March 2026

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is this campaign about?

This is a public education campaign to ensure people who ride e-bikes, scooters and similar personal transport devices understand the existing legal requirements that apply when using public roads. The campaign runs ahead of enforcement beginning on 1st March 2016.

Are these new laws?

No. These are not new laws. The Rules of the Road have always applied to these devices when they are used on public roads.

Who is leading this campaign?

The campaign is coordinated through the National Road Safety Committee under the National Road Safety Strategy, with the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI), the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) working together.

DEVICES COVERED

What types of devices does this apply to?

This applies to e-bikes, electric scooters and similar personal transport devices when they are used on public roads.

What about devices used on private property?

This campaign will not affect users of e-bikes, scooters and similar personal transport devices as long as they are only used on private property.

How can I identify my device’s Tier?

Your device will be placed into 1 of 3 tiers based on our inspection requirements:

  1. Tier 1: Can be inspected using existing procedures.
  2. Tier 2: Cannot be inspected using existing procedures. This means it would require manufacturer specifications and the use of approved additional criteria.
  3. Tier 3: Needs to be inspected using existing procedures, manufacturer specifications and approved additional criteria.

The additional criteria we use will evaluate the following aspects of your device:

  1. Frame and deck
  2. Steering assembly
  3. Wheels and brakes
  4. Electrical and control systems
  5. Safety and stability

If you need advice on identifying what Tier your device falls into, please contact us by emailing dvdl.helpdesk@gov.ky or call us at (345) 945-8344.

Does this apply to privately owned devices as well as rentals?

Yes. The legal requirements apply regardless of whether the device is privately owned or rented.

LICENSING, AGE AND COMPLIANCE

How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike or scooter on the road?

You must be at least 17 years old.

Do you need a driver’s licence?

Yes. Riders must hold a valid Category 0 or Category 2 driver’s licence.

Does the device need to be registered and insured?

Yes. E-bikes and scooters used on public roads must be registered, licensed and insured.

However, prior to registration, all devices must be insured by the owner/operator/rider. All procedures follow the Traffic Regulations (2021 Revision), as the devices fall under the definition of vehicles.

How much does registration and inspection cost?

After your device’s Tier has been decided it will fall under either ‘Pedal cycles’ or ‘Motorcycles’ at the time of registration and fees will be charged accordingly. Inspection fees remain consistent for both as they fall under motorcycles, mopeds and scooters.

A list of our fees can be found here.

 

RULES OF THE ROAD

Do e-bikes and scooters have to follow traffic laws?

Yes. Riders must obey traffic signals, road signs, road markings and all other rules of the road (particularly, the Road Code of the Cayman Islands).

Where are riders allowed to operate these devices?

Riders must operate only where permitted by law. It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure they are riding in a lawful location.

 

SAFETY

Are helmets required?

Absolutely. Safety requirements apply and all riders are expected to operate responsibly. Crash helmets must comply with the standards listed below:

  1. (ECE) The Economic Commission for Europe standards, particularly ECE 22.05 (2000) & ECE 22.06 (2023) DOT FMVSS 2018 (USA)
  2. DOT FMVSS 218 (USA) – (2013 Last Update)
  3. AUTO CYCLE UNION (ACE) GOLD OR SILVER BADGE (2023)
  4. Snell SA M2026R & M2026D (OCT 2026)
  5. SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme)
  6. FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) FRHPhe-01 and FRHPhe-02 standards

Is this campaign about punishment or safety?

This campaign is about clarity, safety and compliance. The education period ensures people understand the law before enforcement begins.

 

ENFORCEMENT

When does enforcement begin?

Enforcement begins on 1st March 2026.

What happens if someone does not meet these requirements?

Any enforcement actions as a result of persons not complying with the legal requirements will be handled in accordance with the law.

What happens during the education period?

The education period allows riders time to understand the requirements and ensure they are compliant before enforcement begins.

Is there an amnesty period?

The education campaign provides notice and time for compliance ahead of enforcement beginning on 1st March 2026.

 

VISITORS AND TOURISTS

Do these rules apply to visitors and tourists?

Yes. Anyone riding an e-bike or scooter on public roads must comply with the law.

 

MORE INFORMATION

Where can people get more information?

Information is available through Government and partner agency websites, public service centres, and campaign materials.