A summer of complaints about e-bikes in LaSalle has led to a dozen charges, dozens of warnings, and renewed calls for safer riding. LaSalle police say officers laid 12 charges against riders or their parents, issued 42 cautions, and spoke with 138 young riders and parents about e-bike rules and safety. “They’re very popular,” said Const. Chris Williams. “I can’t believe how many there are actually out there.” Police say the enforcement efforts are aimed at keeping riders and the broader community safe. “We want to keep make sure everybody’s safe at the end of the day,” Williams said. Windsor-Essex Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mehdi Aloosh says the speed these vehicles can reach is a growing concern – and so is the risk of injury. “E-bikes offer many health, transportation and environmental benefits,” he said. “But with greater speeds comes greater responsibility.” The concerns extend beyond Windsor-Essex. According to the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program, 57 severe cases involving e-bikes and e-scooters were reported among Canadian children and youth in 2025, including 10 deaths. 47 per cent of those involved head injuries. LaSalle pushing for changes In August, LaSalle council directed administration to explore additional restrictions on motorized vehicles, including possible changes to their use on municipal trails. Mayor Crystal Meloche says the town also raised its concerns with Ontario’s transportation minister during the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference. “I figured it was something that most of us were experiencing,” she told CTV News. “And the applause after the question proved to me that 444 municipalities in Ontario are dealing with the exact same thing.” Discussions focused on rider age restrictions, vehicle speeds, and rules governing sidewalks and trails. Ontario is already reviewing its e-bike regulations, with proposed changes aimed at improving safety and providing clearer rules for riders, municipalities, and police. Under current provincial rules, e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet, and operate vehicles with a maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h.
