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 regulations for protecting children from severe injuries.
Originally introduced in 2023, the 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 requirements. These existing regulations will remain in effect, along with new measures effective from July 18, including a speed limit cap of 25 km/h for e-scooters. Violating this limit could result in a $200 fine imposed by law enforcement.
The Ministry of Transport stated that these adjustments were made following research, feedback gathered during the pilot phase, and consultations with various stakeholders, including police authorities. The ministry emphasized that speed plays a crucial role in the severity of accidents.
Debbie Friedman, director of the trauma center at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, highlighted the prevalence of serious injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents, such as brain trauma, fractures, and lacerations. She reported that the hospital had treated 30 children for e-scooter-related injuries by mid-June this year, with at least one trauma case daily, compared to a total of 80 cases in the previous year.
Friedman advocated for stricter regulations, including raising the minimum age for e-scooter use to 16, aligning with most other Canadian provinces, and mandating the use of motocross helmets. She also recommended applying similar licensing requirements for e-scooters as for mopeds in Quebec.
Magali Bebronne, from Vélo Québec, supported the reconsideration of age restrictions for e-scooters, citing discrepancies with e-bike regulations and safety concerns. Bebronne highlighted the importance of deterring speeding and enforcing the new rules to ensure safer coexistence with other road users.
The Transport Ministry emphasized its commitment to road safety through the pilot program, aiming to regulate the safe use of personal motorized transportation devices and promote harmony among all road users. Meanwhile, Friedman urged parents to be aware of the risks associated with e-scooters and emphasized the need for the government to address safety concerns promptly.
Montreal police reported an increase in collisions involving vehicles and e-scooters since the launch of the pilot program, with 48 incidents recorded in 2025, including one fatal collision and multiple injuries. The most common contributing factors identified by the police were inattention and failure to yield.
Overall, stakeholders are calling for enhanced safety measures and stricter regulations to mitigate the risks associated with e-scooter use, particularly among children and youth.