Rising Hospitalizations Prompt Health Warnings
Health officials report a sharp increase in e‑scooter related injuries across Canada, with a 22 % rise in hospital admissions last year alone. More than 1,000 Canadians were treated in hospital for e‑scooter crashes, and the majority of those patients were children.
Summer Surge in Incidents
Dr. April Kam, division chief of pediatric emergency medicine at McMaster Children’s Hospital, notes that injury numbers typically peak by September, coinciding with the warm summer months when e‑scooter use expands.
Children Face the Greatest Danger
Age Groups Most Affected
Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information show that 18 children under the age of four were hospitalized after e‑scooter accidents, while 241 youngsters aged five to 17 required similar care.
Overall, more than 1,000 individuals of all ages were admitted to hospitals for e‑scooter injuries this year.
Expert Concerns About Safety
Dr. Sheena Belisle, a paediatric professor at Western University, warns that e‑scooters are not toys and that children are often too small to operate them safely. She points out that many young riders cannot see over the handlebars and lack the coordination needed for stable riding.
Dr. Kam adds that injuries to children are rarely superficial scrapes; they frequently involve fractures, skull fractures, concussions, and serious internal injuries such as kidney or liver damage.
Where Accidents Most Often Occur
Research indicates that collisions happen predominantly in densely populated areas and on sidewalks. The most common injury sites are the upper extremities—including the face, neck, arms, and torso—as well as soft‑tissue damage.
Regulatory Landscape Across Canada
Provincial and Municipal Rules
While no nationwide ban exists, several provinces and cities have introduced their own restrictions:
- Ontario, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan permit riders aged 16 and older.
- London, Ontario, prohibits use by anyone under 15 and requires helmets for riders aged 16‑17; sidewalk riding is also banned.
- Nova Scotia and Quebec set the minimum age at 14.
- Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador have no specific age limits.
- British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan mandate helmet use for all riders.
Federal Context
According to a 2022 Statistics Canada study, the rise in e‑scooter accidents aligns with warmer months, reflecting the climate‑driven increase in usage. Federal regulations currently focus on importation and manufacturing, leaving safety rules largely to provincial authorities.
Safety Recommendations for Parents and Communities
Experts agree that education and clearer regulations could reduce the growing toll. Dr. Kam suggests that municipalities consider stricter enforcement, fines, and public awareness campaigns, while schools could incorporate e‑scooter safety into their curricula.
Dr. Belisle emphasizes that children should be encouraged to use traditional active transportation—such as bicycles, kick‑scooters, or rollerblades—because these options promote regular physical activity and are generally safer.
