DID YOU KNOW?
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, hospitalizations in Canada from injuries caused by electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) jumped by 32% in the last two years. In addition, recent hospitalization data from 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 has been a central focus of extensive media coverage throughout Canada. Males accounted for 64% of hospitalizations, while females made up the remaining 36%.
On another note—in Ontario—you have to be 16 or older to legally operate an e-scooter or e-bike. Many of the hospitalizations from e-scooters involved children, particularly those under the age of 16.
E-SCOOTER INJURIES: THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES
The growing popularity of e-scooters has unfortunately led to a sharp increase in injuries, some of them severe. In 2023, a young child in the province of Ontario was tragically killed while riding an e-scooter. Many of the serious injuries have involved fractures and brain trauma, often the direct result of riders not wearing helmets!
E-SCOOTERS ARE NOT TOYS: INSTANCE BLAZING SPEEDS
According to experts, some of these scooters can get up to 30 kms an hour or more in a fraction of a second, because they have so much torque from the electric motors. Furthermore, people need to understand that e-scooters are not toys! These rockets can get to blazing fast speeds quickly.
TRANSPORT CANADA: FUTURE REPORT ON E-SCOOTERS & E-BIKES
Transport Canada is currently reviewing regulations for E-SCOOTERS and E-BIKES. A report on the matter is expected to be released later this year.
ELECTRIC SCOOTER LAWS IN CANADA
The laws governing electric-scooter use, such as maximum speed limits and whether they’re allowed on roads or bike lanes can vary significantly from province/territory to province/territory and even municipality to municipality. As well, some regulations include the mandatory use of helmets for riders under a certain age, typically 18, and restrictions on riding on sidewalks in some areas to prevent pedestrian incidents.
ONTARIO’S E-SCOOTER PILOT PROGRAM EXTENDED
Currently in Ontario, there is an ongoing E-Scooter Pilot Program, which permits municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used. The pilot program has been extended and will now run from January 1, 2020 to November 27, 2029; previously, the e-scooter pilot program was set to expire on November 27, 2024. It appears that this extension will allow for continued collection and analysis of data, which will help with future policy direction. Note: Based on overwhelming evidence, many people have criticized this extension as completely unnecessary, due to the fact that the data shows the following:
- E-Scooters endanger vulnerable people such as young children, people with disabilities and even seniors as pedestrians etc.
Meanwhile, municipalities that choose to allow e-scooters within their community are responsible for:
- Where e-scooters may be operated (for example, on roads and bike paths, in parks and on trails).
- Where e-scooters may park.
- Whether a business permit or license is required for e-scooter companies.
- Whether insurance is required (the type and coverage).
- How people can give feedback on e-scooter use in their municipality.
- Other considerations relevant to the use of e-scooters in the municipality.
MUNICIPALITIES
Municipalities that want to allow e-scooters to operate on their roads must pass bylaws to permit their use and set out specific requirements based on what is best for their community. As well, municipalities must inform the Ministry of Transportation that they wish to participate in the pilot program.
E-SCOOTER REQUIREMENTS
E-Scooters allowed under the pilot must have:
- A maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface.
- A maximum weight of 45 kg.
- A maximum power output of 500 watts.
- Two wheels and brakes.
- A horn or bell.
- At least one white light on front, one red light on rear and reflective material on sides.
- A maximum wheel diameter of 17 inches.
E-Scooters must not have:
- Pedals
- A seat
- A basket
To operate an e-scooter under the terms of the pilot program, a person must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Stand at all times while riding.
- Wear a bicycle helmet if under 18 years old.
People operating an e-scooter are not permitted to:
- Carry passengers.
- Carry cargo.
- Operate an e-scooter on control access highways (example, 400-series highways, QEW, etc.)
Other requirements:
- Similar to bicycles, all Highway Traffic Act rules of the road apply when riding e-scooters.
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so, could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
