The Quebec government has decided to extend its e-scooter pilot program until 2028, despite concerns raised by medical professionals regarding the insufficient safety measures in place to protect children from severe injuries.
Originally introduced in 2023, the pilot program permits individuals aged 14 and above to operate e-scooters on roads with speed limits below 50 km/h and on designated bike paths, with mandatory helmet usage at all times. These existing regulations will remain in effect, along with new restrictions starting on July 18, such as a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h for e-scooters, violation of which could lead to a $200 fine imposed by law enforcement.
The Ministry of Transport stated that the adjustments were made following research findings and feedback received during the pilot phase, in collaboration with stakeholders including law enforcement agencies. Emphasizing the significance of speed in accident severity, the ministry highlighted the importance of this parameter in accident prevention.
Debbie Friedman, director of the Montreal Children’s Hospital trauma center, expressed her concerns over the frequency of serious e-scooter-related injuries, advocating for stricter regulations. She emphasized the gravity of these injuries, including brain trauma, abdominal injuries, facial injuries, dental damage, fractures, cuts, and sprains, stressing the life-altering consequences.
Friedman disclosed that the hospital had treated 30 children for e-scooter injuries by mid-June this year, with many requiring intensive care due to critical conditions, pointing out a concerning trend of one e-scooter-related trauma case per day, compared to a total of 80 cases treated last year.
The hospital has long been urging the government to enhance e-scooter regulations, particularly enforcing the age requirement, as Friedman noted that nearly 60% of severe injury cases involved children under 14. She recommended raising the minimum age to 16, aligning with other provinces where e-scooters are legalized, and mandating the use of motocross helmets for enhanced protection.
Furthermore, she suggested applying similar regulations to e-scooters as those for mopeds, which necessitate a license for operation in Quebec, emphasizing the safety risks of sharing roads with motor vehicles.
Magali Bebronne, program director at Vélo Québec, supported the reassessment of age restrictions, drawing comparisons with e-bike regulations and emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and physical activity benefits. She highlighted concerns raised by cyclists and e-bike riders regarding e-scooter speeds potentially compromising safety on shared paths.
The Transport Ministry assured that road safety is a top priority, aiming to regulate the responsible use of personal motorized transportation devices and foster harmonious coexistence with other road users. It stated efforts to enhance public awareness of age and speed limit regulations.
While acknowledging these steps, Friedman urged the government to address her apprehensions seriously, advising parents to comprehend the risks associated with e-scooters before permitting their children to ride them, cautioning against treating them merely as toys.
In a statement, the Montreal police reported an increase in vehicle-e-scooter collisions since the pilot program’s launch in 2023, with 18 incidents in 2023, 29 in 2024, and 48 in 2025, including fatal and injury-causing collisions. Police attributed common factors to inattention and failure to yield in these incidents, highlighting the need for heightened caution and adherence to road safety protocols.
