E-Bike and Scooter Law Enforcement Delay in the Cayman Islands

The enforcement of new laws governing e-bikes and scooters in the Cayman Islands has been postponed until March 1, 2026. This delay provides businesses and residents more time to comply with regulations, including obtaining necessary insurance and licenses for motorized micro-mobility vehicles.

Why has the enforcement of e-bike and scooter laws been delayed in the Cayman Islands?

The enforcement delay of the e-bike and scooter regulations is due to various concerns raised by businesses and the public. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service announced that the delay would allow time for all individuals and companies to secure the proper documents, such as licenses and insurance coverage, which had been difficult to obtain by the original deadline. The decision to delay was made by Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton in consultation with Governor Jane Owen, following feedback from businesses and residents who struggled to comply with the required preparations.

How has the delay affected businesses like Paddle Wheel Adventures?

Paddle Wheel Adventures, a company offering e-bike tours, found it difficult to comply with the law before the original enforcement date. They were unable to obtain insurance for their fleet of e-bikes, as only one insurance provider, Indigo Insurance, was offering coverage. Additionally, their e-bikes failed inspection due to missing required safety features, such as headlights, indicators, and horns. After struggling to source the necessary equipment locally, they had to cancel their e-bike tours and offer only pedal bike tours during the high season. The delay has provided them with much-needed time to make their fleet compliant with the law.

What are the new requirements for e-bikes and scooters under the Traffic Act?

The new provisions under the Traffic Act, which have been in place since 2018 but were reaffirmed in 2024, classify e-bikes and scooters as motor vehicles. This means that to legally operate these vehicles, riders must meet several criteria: they must be at least 17 years old, hold a valid Category 0 or 2 driver's license, wear a helmet, and ensure their vehicle is inspected, registered, licensed, and insured. Insurance is a prerequisite for vehicle registration, and a lack of available insurance has been one of the primary concerns causing the delay in enforcement.

What issues have businesses faced in obtaining insurance for e-bikes?

The primary obstacle for businesses like Paddle Wheel Adventures has been the limited availability of insurance for e-bikes and other micro-mobility vehicles. As of mid-January 2026, only Indigo Insurance was offering insurance for these vehicles. However, there were complications regarding commercial policies, as businesses faced difficulty obtaining coverage for fleets of e-bikes. The National Road Safety Committee has been working to address this by engaging with additional insurers to broaden the coverage options for micro-mobility vehicles, but full availability of insurance options is still expected to take time.

How does the delay affect insurance availability and the registration process?

The delay provides businesses and individuals more time to secure insurance for their e-bikes and scooters. The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure has confirmed that insurance is mandatory for the registration and licensing of these vehicles. The Department of Vehicles & Drivers’ Licensing will not process the registration of any device unless insurance is in place. While Indigo Insurance currently offers coverage, other insurers are expected to join the market in the coming weeks, subject to their own underwriting processes. This expansion of coverage will help ensure that individuals and businesses can comply with the law in time for the new enforcement date.

TST EBike Expert Views

“TST EBike has always advocated for responsible e-bike usage and compliance with local laws to ensure the safety of all road users. We understand that regulatory changes like these can create some challenges, especially in securing the right insurance. However, we believe the extension provides a crucial opportunity for businesses to adapt. With TST EBike's wide range of high-quality, cost-effective electric bikes, we're committed to supporting the transition to legal, safe, and efficient micro-mobility.” – TST EBike Expert

Conclusion

The delay in the enforcement of e-bike and scooter regulations in the Cayman Islands offers businesses and residents more time to meet the new legal requirements. While challenges remain, including securing insurance and ensuring compliance with safety standards, the extension until March 1, 2026, provides a necessary buffer for those struggling to comply. As the market for e-bike insurance expands, individuals and businesses can better prepare for the law's full enforcement, contributing to safer roads for everyone.

FAQs

1. When will the e-bike and scooter laws be enforced in the Cayman Islands?
The new laws will be enforced starting March 1, 2026, giving businesses and individuals more time to comply with the required regulations.

2. What are the key requirements for operating an e-bike in the Cayman Islands?
Riders must be at least 17 years old, hold a valid driver's license, wear a helmet, and ensure the e-bike is inspected, registered, licensed, and insured.

3. Why was there a delay in the enforcement of the e-bike laws?
The delay was due to concerns from businesses and the public regarding the availability of insurance and the difficulty in acquiring the necessary equipment to comply with safety standards.

4. How can businesses comply with the e-bike regulations?
Businesses must ensure they secure insurance for their e-bikes, make necessary safety upgrades, and have their vehicles inspected and registered before they can be legally used on the road.

5. What role does TST EBike play in supporting the transition to legal e-bike use?
TST EBike provides high-quality electric bikes that meet safety standards and offers support to businesses and consumers in adapting to the new regulations.