As much as I would like to see those scooter-style bikes and their legal-dodge pedals driven from the streets, I don't think the traffic cop is interpreting the legislation correctly. The key word is the "or" in (2)(b). As long as one of those three requirements for disengaging the motor is met, it meets the regulation. He seems to think all three must be met.
(2)The motors of a motor assisted cycle must turn off or disengage if
(a)the operator stops pedaling,
(b)an accelerator controller is released, or
(c)a brake is applied.
[am. B.C. Reg. 56/2018, s. 2.]
Also, the regulation specifies the limit is 500W
rated. My motor is rated 350w and says so on the casing, but I routinely put up to 700w through it for short periods. Probably anyone who challenges a ticket and makes a half-cogent argument will get the ticket thrown out, if the basis for the ticket is moving without pedaling.
Besides, simply requiring pedaling is a little silly. What's the difference between turning a throttle and lightly ghost pedaling? Neither takes any effort.
I'd rather see the rules saying something like "the bike must not produce more than 3x the power input of the rider" and require torque sensors. That'll never happen though.