By Zalasem1 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133621539
FORT McMURRAY — An adult male suffered serious injuries after an e-dirt bike collision in downtown Fort McMurray early Tuesday morning.
Wood Buffalo RCMP and Regional Emergency Services responded to reports of a collision shortly before 1 a.m. near Clearwater Drive.
Police said the rider was operating an e-dirt bike when he collided with a fence.
The man was taken by ground ambulance to the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre with significant injuries.
Investigators say the rider does not appear to have been wearing a helmet and alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the collision.
RCMP are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact police.
The collision has also prompted a reminder about the rules governing e-dirt bikes and other off-highway vehicles in the region.
Police noted that while standard e-bikes are limited to a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour and a power output of 500 watts, some e-dirt bikes can reach speeds approaching 110 kilometres per hour and produce up to 22,000 watts of power.
Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, e-dirt bikes are classified as off-highway vehicles.
Wood Buffalo RCMP reminded residents that off-highway vehicles are prohibited on Fort McMurray roads, sidewalks, parks, green spaces and urban trails, with limited exceptions in the Abasand neighbourhood.
Police are also urging riders to wear approved helmets and protective gear, ride only in designated areas and never operate an off-highway vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Wood Buffalo RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
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