Jail sentence for impaired e-bike rider

Riding his e-bike with more than three times the legal limit of alcohol in his system proved costly for a St. Catharines man. Ralph Dietz, 58, was sentenced to 90 days behind bars after he pleaded guilty Friday in an Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines to a charge of impaired driving. On May 27, 2016, court was told, Dietz was riding his e-bike down Lakeport Road in St. Catharines when he failed to negotiate a turn and struck a curb. The impact knocked the defendant, who was not wearing a helmet, from the e-bike and he struck his head on the curb. When police arrived to assist, officers felt Dietz was showing signs of impairment and made the demand for a breath test. The test revealed Dietz’s blood/ alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit. E-bike operators do not require a driver’s licence, insurance, vehicle permit or licence plate. Under the Criminal Code, however, the definition of a motor vehicle includes an e-bike, and anyone operating an e-bike while intoxicated could be charged for impaired driving. Dietz will serve his 90-day jail term on weekends, so not to interfere with his employment.