E-bikes and e-scooters have become a popular new way to get around communities across Ontario. “Something to do, good for your knees,” said Matt Long, owner of E-Ride London. “Good for your joints and cheap transportation as well, especially with gas prices.” While convenient, OPP warned they’ve seen an increase in electric rideable accidents, most recently in Ingersoll, Ont. “On Friday April 10th, just after 1:30 this morning, OPP along with fire and paramedic services responded to Charles Street East in the town of Ingersoll for a report of a single scooter style e-bike that was involved in a crash,” said Edward Sanchuk with Oxford OPP. Sanchuk said a 56-year-old male was operating the e-bike when he left the road, struck a pole, and suffered serious life-threatening injuries. “The person was transported to hospital for treatment where they were pronounced dead by attending physicians,” said Sanchuk. A 2025 report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information showed a 32 per cent increase in reported e-scooter hospitalizations over one year. Sanchuk said while micromobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes are appealing, they can be deadly without proper safety measures. “If you can, wear some good reflective clothing,” said Long. “Obviously a helmet.” Long said his products are equipped with built-in safety features designed to reduce risk. “They all have a brake light, they have a running light in the back as well for the dark,” said Long. “They have reflective parts on the pedals.” He said paying attention to where you’re riding can make all the difference when it comes to safety. “In the daytime, it’s a little safer but if you can, stay on the bike paths,” said Long. “That’s a good thing.”
