The Quebec government has decided to extend the 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.
Introduced in 2023, the original pilot program permitted individuals aged 14 and above to operate e-scooters on roads with speed limits below 50 km/h and on bike paths, with mandatory helmet usage. These 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 may lead to a $200 fine.
The Ministry of Transport states that these modifications were implemented based on research findings and feedback gathered during the pilot phase, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies. According to a statement provided to CBC by the ministry, speed is identified as a key factor contributing to the severity of accidents.
Debbie Friedman, the director of the trauma center at Montreal Children’s Hospital, has been advocating for more stringent regulations concerning e-scooter usage, emphasizing the significant injuries sustained in accidents, including brain trauma, abdominal injuries, facial wounds, dental damage, fractures, cuts, and sprains. She revealed that as of mid-June this year, the hospital had treated 30 children for e-scooter-related injuries, with many in critical condition and requiring intensive care, marking a daily occurrence of e-scooter-related traumas.
Friedman has long been urging the government to revise the rules on e-scooter operation, particularly enforcing the age restriction more effectively, as nearly 60% of children treated for severe injuries are under 14. She proposes raising the minimum age to 16, aligning with other Canadian provinces where e-scooters are legal, and mandating the use of motocross helmets for enhanced safety.
Additionally, Friedman recommends applying similar regulations to e-scooters as those for mopeds, which necessitate a license for operation in Quebec, emphasizing the potential risks of sharing the road with motor vehicles. Magali Bebronne, from Vélo Québec, concurs with the need for a reassessment of the age restrictions, highlighting the discrepancy between e-scooters and e-bikes, which require a higher minimum age with additional safety measures.
The Transport Ministry reassures that road safety remains a paramount concern and that the pilot program aims to govern the safe usage of personal motorized transportation devices, fostering a harmonious relationship with other road users. Efforts are underway to enhance public awareness of the regulations regarding age limits and speed restrictions.
While acknowledging these initiatives, Friedman stresses the imperative need for the government to address her concerns promptly, urging parents to comprehend the associated risks of e-scooter usage before permitting their children to ride them. Montreal police reported a rise in collisions involving vehicles and e-scooters since the inception of the pilot project in 2023, with factors such as inattention and failure to yield contributing to these incidents.