A 43-year-old man from Rabat was grievously injured early on Thursday when his motorcycle hit a pavement in Burmarrad.
The accident happened at about 1am as the man was driving his Yamaha XVS1100A towards Mosta, police said.
He was given first aid by a police patrol and passers-by until he was taken to hospital in an ambulance.
Magistrate Ian Farrugia is holding an inquiry.