Electric scooters and bikes: Not safe for kids

Although battery-operated scooters and bikes (e-scooters, e-bikes) are popular with riders of all ages, they are not safe for children. Across Canada, children’s hospitals are seeing more frequent—and more severe—injuries related to the vehicles.

Children under 16 years should not use e-scooters or e-bikes or ride on them as passengers. Non-motorized scooters and bicycles are safer choices and provide opportunities for physical activity.

E-scooters and e-bikes are not toys and were not designed for children. Children under 16 do not typically have the strength, coordination, or experience needed to safely operate them. Because electric devices speed up quickly and can travel at 30-50 km/h, riders need significant skill to operate them safely, especially in traffic.

Many provinces and municipalities have regulations on rider age, speed, and where they can be used, so make sure you are familiar with local regulations.

Reducing the risk of injury

The most common types of injuries from e-scooters are head injuries, broken bones, and cuts. Anyone who uses electric scooters or bikes should follow these safety tips to help reduce the risk of severe injury:

• Always wear a well-fitting helmet with an approved standards label.
• Ride in protected bike lanes where available and stay to the right side of quiet streets.
• Never carry or ride as a passenger.
• Always pay attention to surroundings, including nearby pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and construction.
• Adjust speed to conditions like weather, traffic, and pedestrians.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially if riding at dusk or in the dark.
• Do not use a cell phone while riding.
• Do not ride with headphones or earbuds in.
• Obey traffic laws and avoid busy roads (e.g., come to full stop at stop signs and red lights, and signal turns in advance).
• Read and follow all manufacturers’ warnings, including age and weight requirements.
• Do not ‘jailbreak’ devices (i.e. do not change speed or acceleration settings).