The Quebec government has decided to extend the e-scooter pilot program until 2028, despite concerns raised by medical professionals regarding the adequacy of safety measures for children. Initially introduced in 2023, the pilot program allowed 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 existing regulations will remain in place, along with new restrictions effective from July 18, including 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 these adjustments were made based on research findings and feedback gathered during the pilot program’s duration, and in collaboration with various stakeholders, including police authorities. Emphasizing the significance of speed in the severity of accidents, the ministry highlighted the importance of these changes in mitigating risks.
Debbie Friedman, the director of the trauma center at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, expressed her concerns over the prevalent serious injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents, advocating for stricter regulations. She mentioned that the hospital had treated 30 children for e-scooter-related injuries by mid-June this year, with an alarming frequency of one e-scooter trauma case per day, compared to 80 cases treated throughout the previous year.
Friedman has long been advocating for significant modifications to the e-scooter regulations, particularly emphasizing the need for stricter age restrictions and the mandatory use of motocross helmets. She highlighted instances where improperly secured helmets failed to provide adequate protection, leading to severe injuries. Additionally, she urged the government to align e-scooter regulations with those of mopeds, which require a license for operation in Quebec.
Magali Bebronne, the programs director at Vélo Québec, supported the call for revisiting age restrictions on e-scooter usage, emphasizing the disparity with e-bike regulations. Bebronne noted concerns raised by cyclists and e-bike riders regarding the speed of e-scooters and the implications on safety. She expressed hope that the updated regulations would deter speeding and be more effectively enforced.
The Transport Ministry affirmed its commitment to prioritizing road safety and regulating the safe use of personal transportation devices, aiming to ensure harmonious coexistence with other road users. While efforts are underway to raise public awareness of age requirements and speed limits, Friedman stressed the importance of addressing these safety concerns promptly, urging parents to fully comprehend the associated risks before allowing their children to use e-scooters.
Notably, Montreal police reported an increase in collisions involving vehicles and e-scooters since the pilot program’s inception in 2023, with 18 incidents in 2023, 29 in 2024, and 48 in 2025. These collisions resulted in one fatality, four serious injuries, and 41 minor injuries in the previous year, with common contributing factors identified as inattention and failure to yield.
Overall, while the Quebec government continues to promote e-scooter usage, ongoing concerns about safety persist, prompting calls for stricter regulations and heightened awareness of potential risks associated with e-scooter use.