(TAY TOWNSHIP, ON) On the evening of September 29, 2013 a member of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police was on routine patrol of Highway 12 in near Port McNicoll Tay Township when the officer observed a male driver of an E-bike not wearing a helmet.
The officer spoke with the driver and then conducted a drinking and driving investigation at the roadside of the driver. The male driver was arrested and transported him back to Southern Georgian Bay Detachment for further investigation.
The investigation resulted in the male operator, Steven Plumb age 46 years of Midland being charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle section 253 (1)(a) and Operating a Motor Vehicle Over 80 Milligrams section 253 (1) (b), both sections are contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.
He was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on October 10, 2013
Criminal Code offences apply to the E-bikes as they are considered a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code of Canada. If the driver has charges stemming from criminal activity the person is not allowed to operate an E-bike.
For any other information and clarification on power assisted bicycles or power/electric scooters please refer to Ministry of Transportation website at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/emerging/e-bike-faq.shtml.