05/20/2026
and the Fanshawe College Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI) officially unveiled the completion of a first-of-its-kind applied research project, a fully electrified Can-Am Off-Road (BRP) Ryker trike built through innovation, collaboration, and student-driven engineering excellence.
Through OACETT’s R&D Program, OACETT partnered in this collaboration by providing the Ryker platform itself and supporting the vision of transforming a bold idea into a fully realized applied engineering showcase.
What began with a simple question — “What if we electrified a Ryker?” — evolved into an extraordinary hands-on research initiative that challenged students and faculty to solve real-world engineering problems involving:
• Electric drivetrain integration
• Custom fabrication & machining
• CAD design & 3D scanning
• Prototyping & testing
• Sustainable transportation technology
The result?
“THE BEAST”, a fully electrified Ryker capable of producing over 500 Nm of torque while showcasing the incredible technical capability, creativity, and innovation happening every day within Ontario’s college system.
But this project is about much more than building an electric vehicle.
This trike will now become a traveling showcase for OACETT across Ontario, appearing at high schools, industry events, and community engagements to inspire the next generation of engineering technologists and technicians.
It will help demonstrate the incredible potential of applied engineering education and real-world program solving.
Too often, people underestimate what colleges are capable of achieving when given the opportunity, tools, and challenge. The education is just that good.
It demonstrates what happens when students, faculty, industry, and professional associations come together with a bold vision and a willingness to push boundaries.
A huge congratulations to the outstanding students, researchers, faculty, and technical teams at CRI who helped bring this vision to life.
