A six-year-old boy named DeMari Disna from Steinbach is spending his remaining summer days indoors after being struck by an electric bike. The incident occurred while he was out with his sisters and friends on a walking trail near a soccer park close to their home. Following the collision with a youth on an e-bike, DeMari’s mother, Shannon Broesky, rushed him to Bethesda Regional Health Centre, where he had to wait 19 hours for a soft cast due to a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg. He was later transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg for a hard cast.
Despite the unfortunate event, DeMari is reportedly handling the situation well, though he is already feeling restless due to his energetic nature. His mother expressed concerns about the lack of regulations regarding electric bikes, calling for stricter measures after witnessing her son’s injury. The Manitoba government is currently in the process of developing legislation concerning battery-powered bikes and scooters.
Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor conveyed well wishes for the young boy’s recovery and emphasized the government’s commitment to reviewing and updating regulations to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, Steinbach’s mayor, Earl Funk, highlighted the potential dangers of e-bikes in the hands of inexperienced riders, urging for enhanced regulations and educational efforts.
In response to the incident, the City of Morden has already implemented its own bylaws in June, mandating helmet use, compliance with traffic signals, and prohibiting the use of e-devices on sidewalks. Mayor Nancy Penner stressed the need for standardized guidelines at the provincial level, especially regarding the age requirements for operating electric vehicles, to avoid inconsistencies between municipalities.
As discussions around additional regulations gain momentum, the focus remains on promoting safety and accountability within the community. Broesky emphasized the importance of forgiveness and understanding, emphasizing the accidental nature of the incident and the need for responsible behavior among all users of electric vehicles.