Not for kids’ gift lists: the e-scooter is not a toy

“While E-scooters are an accessible and climate-friendly way for people to get around, they come with rules that help protect users and everyone around them,” said Dr. Brandon Yau, Medical Health Officer at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). “There’s a risk of injury when riding an e-scooter, which is why riders must wear a helmet and travel at safe speeds, and why they’re not authorized for people under the age of 16.”

In April 2024, the Province renewed the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project to evaluate appropriate rules and conditions for e-scooter use. There are currently 34 participating municipalities or communities; in the VCH region, these include the City and District of North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Richmond and Squamish. While some regulations may vary between municipalities, the minimum age of 16 applies everywhere in B.C. Devices must have a maximum speed capability of 25km/h and riders must wear a helmet and operate e-scooters only where permitted.

“Non-motorized forms of active transportation — such as cycling and non-electric kick scooters — are safer alternatives for children and can help them develop balance, coordination, gross motor skills and confidence, provided helmets and safety equipment are used,” said Yau. “Motorized devices are much heavier and can travel at higher speeds, leading to greater risk of falls, collisions and head injuries — especially for younger, inexperienced riders.” 

New clinical codes related to e-scooter injuries were recently added to health-system databases, so B.C. does not yet have data available regarding the full burden of injuries. Hospitalization data released this summer by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) found a 22 per cent increase in hospitalizations as a result of e-scooter falls across Canada over one year, with a 61 per cent rise among children aged five to 17.

Even for teens aged 16 and up — and for adults with an e-scooter on their holiday wish list — safe riding is key to preventing injuries. Health officials offer these reminders:

• E-scooters may only be used in communities participating in the provincial pilot project. They cannot be ridden on public roadways in non-participating municipalities.
• An e-scooter must meet certain requirements. You could get a violation ticket and fine from police for riding a device that is not legal.
• Learn the regulations for your community, as they may vary by city.
• Don’t ride an e-scooter on sidewalks or in crosswalks, except if a sign or traffic control device permits.
• Practise riding on quieter streets before using busier routes.
• Wear a helmet.
• Don’t engage in “doubling” (only one rider at a time).
• Don’t exceed the maximum speed limit of 25 km/h, even if the device is capable of going faster.
• Don’t ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Don’t use your phone while riding.

Learn more about the safe use of e-scooters from the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit: https://www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/injury-priorities/road-safety-e-scooters

Learn more about B.C.’s pilot project and a complete list of regulations at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/electric-kick-scooter-rules.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is committed to delivering exceptional care to 1.25 million people, including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai'xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N'Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla'amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa'xtsa. Learn more at vch.ca.

Contact

Vancouver Coastal Health
media@vch.ca
604.202.2012 (after-hours)