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Pediatricians are sounding the alarm over a troubling rise in severe injuries and fatalities linked to e-scooters and e-bikes among young users, as highlighted in a recent report by the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP). Released in 2025, the survey revealed a staggering 48 instances of serious injuries or deaths, prompting calls for enhanced tracking and regulation of these increasingly popular modes of transportation.
Alarming Statistics on Youth Injuries
The CPSP report points to a concerning trend, with 10 documented fatalities resulting from incidents involving personal powered micromobility devices (PPMD). Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a leading pediatrician, emphasised that this represents one of the first comprehensive datasets on youth-related deaths linked to these vehicles, apart from information typically gathered by media and law enforcement. “People don’t associate these devices with fatalities,” Rosenfield remarked. “As their usage rises—evident from the influx of children presenting with minor to moderate injuries—the potential for fatal incidents will similarly increase.”
E-scooters were identified as the predominant vehicles involved in the reported injuries. Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information corroborates these findings, revealing 53 hospitalisation cases among youth aged five to 17 from 2023 to 2024. Notably, 47% of injuries reported in the CPSP data were head-related, with 40% affecting the limbs. “Most severe injuries stem from head trauma, which can lead to permanent disabilities,” Rosenfield cautioned.
Age Demographics and Provincial Regulations
Youth aged 10 to 15 accounted for 42% of the reported cases, while 18% involved children aged five to nine. The average age of those affected ranged from 10 to 12 years. Despite the gravity of the situation, Rosenfield refrained from placing blame on governmental bodies for the inconsistent regulations governing the operation of e-bikes and e-scooters by minors.
In various provinces, the age requirements for riding standard e-bikes vary significantly. Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia stipulate that riders must be at least 16 years old. In contrast, provinces such as Quebec impose an age limit of 18, although individuals with a Class 6D licence can begin riding at 14. E-scooter regulations show similar disparities, with some provinces enforcing minimum age limits of 16, while others, like Quebec and Nova Scotia, permit use from age 14. Alberta and Saskatchewan have banned e-scooters from public roads altogether, leaving municipalities to decide on their use, often without a defined age limit.
Helmet laws are a common requirement across most provinces, irrespective of the rider’s age. However, Rosenfield advocates for a more standardised approach to regulations nationwide, emphasising the need for greater education, enforcement, and engineering in the design of these vehicles. “Regulations alone won’t ensure safety, nor will educational campaigns completely mitigate the risks,” he stated. “We must start from the ground up—designing safer vehicles and implementing uniform standards across the country.”
Provincial Responses to the Crisis
In light of these alarming statistics, some provinces are beginning to take action. Nova Scotia recently announced plans to prohibit children under 14 from riding electric bikes starting this autumn. Meanwhile, Alberta is working on amendments to its Traffic Safety Act aimed at fostering a safer environment for micromobility users. A spokesperson for Alberta’s Department of Transportation indicated that a provincial framework for the safe use of e-scooters and similar devices is under consideration.
Newfoundland and Labrador is also actively collaborating with other jurisdictions to devise a comprehensive regulatory strategy for these vehicles. Minister Mike Goosney announced forthcoming public consultations to gather feedback that will inform legislative changes expected in the autumn assembly.
In Toronto, police have launched a two-week enforcement campaign targeting micromobility devices, responding to a spike in reported collisions. This year alone, there have been 514 incidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes, resulting in two fatalities. A spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service expressed the department’s commitment to enhancing awareness and promoting safer practices for all road users.
Promoting Safe Usage
Dr. Rosenfield underscores the importance of responsible riding behaviours. He recommends that users wear helmets, avoid excessive speeds, and refrain from riding double on e-scooters. “These incidents are not accidents; they are preventable and predictable,” he said, reinforcing the need for a cultural shift in how these devices are perceived and used.
Why it Matters
The surge in injuries and fatalities associated with e-scooters and e-bikes highlights a critical need for immediate action on safety regulations and public education. As the popularity of these devices continues to grow, so too does the responsibility of governments and communities to ensure the safety of their young riders. Without a unified approach to regulation and a commitment to fostering safe riding practices, we risk jeopardising the health and well-being of our youth in an increasingly micromobility-focused world.
