BANFF – A 71-year-old man is in life-threatening condition in a Calgary hospital after crashing on his e-bike on the Legacy Trail on Saturday (May 13).
Police say the man from Moncton, New Brunswick, had rented an e-bike from an undisclosed company, but was not wearing a helmet.
RCMP say the crash happened Saturday evening as he was descending the steep, windy section of the Legacy Trail west of the Banff National Park entry gates.
“He came off the paved path and hit the gravel and then lost control,” said Sgt. Natalie Rice of Banff RCMP.
“He was not wearing a helmet and was transported to hospital in critical condition.”
Adam Loria, a public education officer for Alberta Medical Emergency Services, said EMS paramedics responded to the Legacy Trail at about 6:30 p.m.
“I can confirm, in conjunction with STARS air ambulance, an adult male was transported to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary and that patient was suffering from life-threatening injuries,” he said, noting the patient's condition is not tracked by EMS after transporting to a hospital.
In Canada, e-bike motors are limited to 500-watt output, and are capped at speeds of 32 km/h.
Approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet are required under Alberta regulations for e-bikes and operators must be 12 years of age or older.
