E-scooters are fun, fast, and becoming an increasingly common sight on city streets. But as their popularity grows, so do trips to the emergency department.
“In 2024, we saw 37 injuries that came to our ED, and in 2025, we saw 81 – more than double,” said Dr. Genevieve Ernst, trauma medical director at BC Children’s Hospital.
Despite B.C.’s minimum riding age of 16, Ernst says more than half of e-scooter-related visits to BC Children’s Hospital involve youth between 13 and 15 years old.
“About a third of them have broken bones, lots of abrasions – sometimes very extensive – and concussions. But we’re also seeing severe injuries, including serious brain injuries, where kids need to be admitted, go to critical care, or undergo surgery,” said Ernst.
The province is currently running an e-scooter pilot project in 36 communities, allowing riders to use public roads with speed limits of 50 kilometres an hour or less.
But in Burnaby, new bylaws go a step further, banning e-scooters from major roads unless riders are using a separated bike lane.
“Having e-scooters share the road really elevates the risk for users, especially when people are travelling at different speeds,” said Amy Choh, director of engineering transportation for the City of Burnaby.
Under provincial regulations, e-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet. Those caught breaking the rules can face a $109 fine, vehicle impoundment, or other penalties.
But Vic Leach of the pedestrian advocacy group Walker’s Caucus says the rules are not being enforced and don’t go far enough, especially compared to some other parts of the world, like Australia.
“In the state of Victoria [Australia], riding without a helmet carries a fine of about $400 Canadian. If you’re riding an e-scooter that exceeds 25 kilometres an hour, the fine is more than $1,000,” said Leach.
Currently, riders in B.C. do not need a licence to operate an e-scooter. Leach believes the lack of mandatory training before hitting the road is a recipe for disaster.
“I think parents are going to be shocked because they see it as a fun activity. But you need education and operator experience.”
As communities across the province continue to adapt to the growing use of e-scooters, the message from BC Children’s Hospital is simple.
“E-scooters aren’t toys. Don’t buy them for younger children. And if you’re old enough to ride one, wear a helmet, don’t double up, and follow the speed limit and the rules of the road,” says Ernst.