The Quebec government has decided to extend the e-scooter pilot program until 2028, despite concerns raised by medical professionals regarding the current regulations’ inadequacy in safeguarding children against severe injuries.
Initially introduced in 2023, the pilot program permits individuals aged 14 and above to operate e-scooters on roads with a speed limit below 50 km/h and on bike paths while mandating the use of helmets at all times. These existing regulations will continue to be enforced, supplemented by new restrictions effective from July 18, including a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h for e-scooters. Violating this speed limit could lead to a $200 fine imposed by law enforcement.
Based on research findings and feedback gathered since the pilot program’s initiation, the Transport Ministry has implemented these changes in consultation with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies. The ministry emphasized that speed significantly influences the severity of accidents, prompting the need for stricter regulations.
Debbie Friedman, the director of the trauma center at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, highlighted the frequency of serious injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents, citing brain injuries, fractures, lacerations, and other critical conditions. She disclosed that the hospital had already treated 30 children for e-scooter-related injuries by mid-June this year, with daily admissions for such traumas.
Advocating for more stringent regulations, Friedman urged the government to raise the age requirement to 16, aligning it with other Canadian provinces where e-scooter usage is permitted. She also recommended the mandatory use of motocross helmets, emphasizing the importance of properly secured headgear to mitigate injuries.
Furthermore, Friedman proposed applying moped-like regulations to e-scooters, requiring a license for operation in Quebec. Expressing concerns about the safety implications of e-scooter use alongside motor vehicles, she stressed the urgency for enhanced protective measures.
Magali Bebronne from Vélo Québec supported reevaluating the age restrictions for e-scooter usage, drawing comparisons with e-bikes and advocating for a more uniform approach. She highlighted concerns raised by cyclists and e-bike riders regarding the speed of e-scooters and the perceived safety risks associated with their presence on shared paths.
In response, the Transport Ministry affirmed its commitment to prioritizing road safety through the pilot program, aimed at regulating the safe use of personal motorized transportation devices and fostering harmonious coexistence with other road users. They underscored ongoing efforts to raise public awareness on age requirements and speed limits.
Despite these measures, Friedman stressed the importance of parents comprehending the risks associated with e-scooters before permitting their children to use them, cautioning against treating them as mere toys. Additionally, Montreal police reported an increase in vehicle-e-scooter collisions since the pilot program’s inception, citing inattention and failure to yield as common contributing factors.
As the government continues to address these concerns, stakeholders emphasize the need for comprehensive regulations and heightened safety precautions to mitigate the risks associated with e-scooter usage.