E-Scooter Safety in Ontario: Protecting Children Before Another Tragedy

July 05, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

E-Scooter Safety in Ontario: What Every Parent and Rider Should Know

Electric kick-style scooters, commonly known as e-scooters, have become increasingly popular across Ontario. While they offer a convenient and environmentally friendly way to travel, they have also contributed to a growing number of serious injuries.

Recent tragedies involving children on e-scooters are a sobering reminder that these vehicles are not toys. Emergency departments across Canada continue to treat riders for fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries and other serious trauma following e-scooter crashes.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, we've seen how a preventable accident can change a family's life forever. Understanding Ontario's laws and following basic safety practices can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

Are E-Scooters Legal in Ontario?

Ontario permits municipalities to decide whether e-scooters can be used on public roads through a provincial pilot program. Because the rules vary by municipality, riders should always check local bylaws before using an e-scooter.

If permitted, riders must follow traffic laws and operate their e-scooter responsibly.

Can Children Ride E-Scooters?

In Ontario, children under the age of 16 are not legally permitted to operate electric kick-style e-scooters on public roads in municipalities participating in the provincial pilot program.

Parents should also remember that simply because e-scooters are available for sale does not mean they are legal or appropriate for children to use on public roads.

Why E-Scooters Can Be Dangerous

Most e-scooters can travel up to 24–32 km/h. Riders have little protection in a crash, making head injuries, fractures and road rash among the most common injuries.

The risk increases because e-scooters have:

• Small wheels that can catch on potholes or curbs.
• No seatbelts or airbags.
• Limited stability on uneven pavement.
• Reduced visibility to motorists.

Simple Ways to Ride Safely

If you choose to ride an e-scooter:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Ride only where permitted by law.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Never carry passengers.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars.
• Stay off your phone while riding.
• Avoid riding while impaired.
• Slow down around pedestrians and intersections.
• Assume drivers may not see you.

A few simple precautions can prevent life-changing injuries.

What Should You Do After an E-Scooter Accident?

If you're involved in a collision:

1. Get to a safe location if possible.
2. Call 911 if anyone is injured.
3. Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
4. Photograph the scene and any vehicles involved.
5. Collect witness information.
6. Preserve your helmet and damaged equipment.
7. Speak with an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer before accepting an insurance settlement.

Some injuries—including concussions and internal injuries—may not become apparent until hours or days later.

Who May Be Responsible?

Depending on the circumstances, an e-scooter collision may involve negligence by:

• A motor vehicle driver.
• Another cyclist or e-scooter rider.
• A municipality responsible for unsafe road conditions.
• A rental company that failed to maintain its equipment.
• A manufacturer if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances and explain your legal rights.

We're Here to Help

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an e-scooter accident, the experienced team at Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are e-scooters legal in Ontario?

Yes, but only in municipalities participating in Ontario's e-scooter pilot program, and riders must follow provincial rules and local bylaws.

Can children ride e-scooters?

Children under 16 years of age are not legally permitted to operate e-scooters on public roads in participating Ontario municipalities.

Should riders wear helmets?

Absolutely. A properly fitted helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious head injuries.

What should I do after an e-scooter accident?

Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene, preserve evidence and speak with an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.