New figures from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) show a sharp rise in injuries linked to e-scooters and e-bikes among young people.
Data covering the year ending in May 2025 found emergency department visits related to e-bike injuries more than doubled, while e-scooter injuries increased by 50 per cent compared with the previous year.
Road safety advocates say the trend is concerning but not unexpected, noting that many riders appear to be under the legal age requirement and may lack the experience needed to safely operate the devices. Concerns have also been raised about the size, speed and power of e-scooters, which are designed for adults and can be difficult for younger users to control.
Under Ontario rules, riders must be at least 16 years old to use an e-scooter. Helmets are required for those under 18, only one person is permitted per scooter, and riding on sidewalks is prohibited.
Ottawa officials say shared e-scooter programs are subject to strict safety measures, including speed limits and designated riding zones. However, privately owned e-scooters are not subject to the same restrictions, and many injuries are believed to involve those vehicles.
The Ontario government is considering regulatory changes that would classify e-bikes based on factors such as weight and power source. Proposed measures could also restrict motorcycle-style e-bikes to roads only if they meet requirements under an existing motor vehicle category.
Meanwhile, Ottawa Police continue monthly enforcement campaigns to promote compliance with e-scooter regulations. Officers remind riders that e-scooters are only permitted on bike lanes, multi-use pathways and roads with speed limits below 50 km/h. Police stress that while e-scooters are not classified as motor vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act, operating them still carries significant responsibilities.
E-scooter companies are also taking enforcement action. In 2025, Bird issued 252 warnings to riders, while Neuron suspended two users for safety-related violations.