The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is presently engaging the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on regularising the use of electric bikes, Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie has said.
“The Guyana Police Force has engaged the GRA towards the implementation of rules governing their use….That is an ongoing discussion right now with GRA,” Hoppie said while delivering remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the GPF’s Annual Officers’ conference which was held last Thursday.
“The Traffic Chief is integrally involved because we have seen where persons using these bikes, there is no age limit and that is one of the things with persons using it presently. So we are in discussion to ensure those things are regularise,” he said.
He added that the legislation will also be “looked at” to ascertain where there is need for any amendment.
Presently, there are no rules governing the use of electric bikes. From their introduction, concerns has been raised about the usage of electric bikes since their use is not covered by the current laws. As a result, users are not required to be licensed to use the bikes on roadways or to wear safety gear, such as helmets.
There have been a few incidents where electric bike users were involved in accidents.
In January this year, 71-year-old Carlon Windsor Barrett, the rider of an electric bike, was crushed to death by a container truck in the vicinity of Muneshwers Limited, on Water Street, Georgetown.
About a month before, another electric bike rider, Roopnarine Ramoutar, 67 of Corentyne, Berbice was lost his life after he reportedly turned into a street in front of a truck which was speeding.
The accident occurred on the Number 72 Public Road.
