Police Force, GRA to develop rules to govern use of electric bikes

There are currently no rules in place to govern the use of electric bikes, which have now become quite popular in Guyana.

Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie revealed that the Guyana Police Force is now engaging the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to develop rules for the use of these bikes.

The Commissioner spoke with the media at the sidelines of an event at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and explained that there is no age limit for the use of electric bikes.

“That is an ongoing discussion right now with GRA, the Traffic Chief is actively involved because we have seen where persons using these bikes, there is no age limit and that is one of the things so we are in discussion to ensure those things are regularised,” the Commissioner explained.

Amendments to the legislation governing the use of vehicles here will also be discussed. Since electric bikes are not motor vehicles, it is not catered for in the laws and such law enforcement cannot mandate how it is used.

“We will have to have a further look at the legislation whether there is need for any amendment,” the Commissioner said.

Meanwhile, a 9.5 decrease in road fatalities has been recorded for the year thus far.

In an effort to curb road fatalities President Irfaan Ali on Thursday urged the Guyana Police Force to look at new strategies to deal directly with driving under the influence of alcohol.

The President spoke about “burden-sharing”, a strategy that is used in Canada, where bartenders and hosts of parties who serve alcohol to drivers, share the responsibility if those drivers are involved in accidents.