Recently, you may have noticed a greater number of electric kick-style scooters, or e-scooters, in your community. You may also know children’s hospitals across Canada have reported steep increases in e-scooter-related injuries, highlighting the potential risks around these devices.

While an e-scooter can be an affordable and environmentally friendly way to travel, if you choose to ride one, it’s important to know how to do so safely and legally.

Why are e-scooters becoming more popular?

On January 1, 2020, the Ontario government began an e-scooter pilot program that is expected to run until November 2029. Municipalities can choose to opt-in to the pilot and create their own rules and regulations (i.e., bylaws) for legal e-scooter use that also include certain mandatory requirements:

• E-scooters must not exceed a maximum speed of 24 km/h and a maximum power output of 500 watts.
• Riders must be at least 16 years old, and any riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
• E-scooters can only have one rider at a time.
• E-scooters cannot be ridden on a highway (e.g., 400-series, QEW).
• Riders must follow the rules of the road as set by the Highway Traffic Act.

Since not all municipalities have opted in to this pilot, it’s important to check if your community has a bylaw that allows e-scooters.

What are the safety risks?

Although e-scooters can be a fun way to get around, they are not toys and can cause injury if used unsafely:

• E-scooters are battery-powered devices that can reach high speeds quickly. Just like driving a car, riding an e-scooter requires quick thinking to make decisions and react.
• Riding an e-scooter takes physical strength and coordination for control at high speeds.
• E-scooters have small wheels that make it easier to tip when going over uneven surfaces (e.g., potholes or gravel).

E-scooters can pose a serious safety risk to children and youth and should NOT be ridden by anyone under the age of 16. Non-electric scooters and bicycles are safer choices for children that also provide opportunities for physical activity.

How to be safe while riding an e-scooter

Everyone plays a role in keeping themselves and others safe on the road. As more municipalities opt into the program and e-scooters become a more common mode of transportation, it’s important for riders to learn about and follow important safety measures:

• Wear a helmet. It’s required by law if you’re under 18, and highly recommended for anyone who rides an e-scooter. Make sure to wear a helmet that is appropriate and fits well.
• Always ride solo. Never carry a passenger.
• Never ride impaired. Do not ride an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Stay alert. Do not ride while distracted and do not use cell phones or other handheld devices while riding.
• Know where you can legally ride. Check your local bylaw for where e-scooters are and are not permitted (e.g., riding in bike lanes but not on sidewalks).
• Follow traffic laws and adjust your speed to changing road conditions (e.g., busy traffic, weather, pedestrians).

WDG Public Health encourages residents to check out e-scooter resources from your community or local first responders to learn more about how to keep safe on the roads.