E-scooters and E-bikes

E-scooters and e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular across Canada. While they provide convenient transportation, they also carry risks for children and youth.

E-scooters: It is the position of IWK Health that no child under the age of sixteen (16) should operate e-scooters. Youth aged sixteen (16) or older should be permitted to operate e-scooters if they follow strict safety requirements and adhere to provincial and municipal legislation. 

Please find the link to IWK’s E-scooter position statement here: link to IWK’s e-scooter position statement here.

The Evidence

Recent evidence from various hospitals and institutions across Canada indicates that injuries related to e-scooters and e-bikes are on rise in the country especially among children. 

While e-scooters and e-bikes provide a new mode of transport, they should not be confused for children’s toys or compared with bicycles or scooters without electric motors. 

E-scooters and e-bikes are dangerous for children, because: 

• They can travel at speeds as high as 32 km/h. 
• Children under the age of 16 do not typically have judgement, strength, coordination or experience needed to operate e-scooter and e-bikes safely.

For more information:

For more information related to e-scooters and e-bikes, please see the IWK Position Statement and Micromobility Backgrounder links on this page.