Man hospitalized after e-bike crash on Garden River First Nation

The Anishinabek Police Service crest is shown on an officer's sleeve in this undated photo. (File photo/Ontario Association of Police Service Boards)

One man was hospitalized with serious injuries following an e-bike collision on Syrette Lake Road South on Garden River First Nation on Monday evening.

The Anishinabek Police Service responded to reports of the crash shortly before 8 p.m. on Sept. 16.

“On arrival, police located one male with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries,” police said in a news release.

“He was transported by EMS to hospital for assessment and treatment.”

Police confirmed the e-bike was being operated on the road in contravention of the Highway Traffic Act and that charges are pending.

While police do not believe any other vehicles were involved, investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage, or any information to contact them at 705-946-4196 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Police emphasize e-bike rules following incident

In the wake of the collision, the police service issued a reminder of the provincial regulations governing e-bike operations.

“Community safety – including the safety of our roads – is a shared responsibility,” said police.

In Ontario, an e-bike is legally defined as a power-assisted bicycle.

Vehicles in this category must:

• weigh no more than 120kg,
• have steering handlebars,
• be fitted with pedals that are operable to propel the bicycle,
• be designed to travel on no more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground,
• have a maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h and
• have a label affixed by the manufacturer confirming compliance with regulations.

Further to legally operate an e-bike on Ontario roads:

• Driver and passengers must be 16 years of age or older
• Driver and passengers must wear a helmet
• A passenger is only permitted if the e-bike is equipped with a dedicated seat and foot pedals

“Driver must follow all rules of the road that apply to any vehicle or bicycle, including not operating the e-bike while impaired,” added police.