E-Scooters and Children: What Ontario Parents Need to Know

August 05, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

E-scooters, or electric scooters, are showing up on streets and sidewalks across Ontario. For many, they are a fun and convenient way to travel short distances while reducing emissions and traffic congestion. However, when it comes to children and e-scooters, many Ontario parents are unaware of the real risks and legal restrictions involved.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, we often see the severe injuries that can result when safety guidelines are ignored — especially when kids are involved. Here’s what every parent should know about e-scooter use in Ontario and how to keep children safe

What Are the Rules for E-Scooters in Ontario?

E-scooters are governed by municipal bylaws and provincial pilot programs. In most Ontario cities, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-scooter legally. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 and strongly recommended for all users.

E-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks. They must be ridden on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, in bike lanes, or on multi-use trails where permitted. Failing to follow these rules can lead to fines — and more importantly, dangerous situations for both riders and pedestrians.

Despite these laws, it’s not uncommon to see younger children riding e-scooters without helmets or adult supervision. This puts them at significant risk of falls, collisions with vehicles, or crashes involving pedestrians.

Why E-Scooters Are Risky for Children

While e-scooters may look like toys, they are powerful machines that can reach speeds of 20–24 km/h. Children often lack the balance, coordination, and judgement required to operate them safely in busy urban settings.

Common risks include:

• Loss of control on uneven pavement, potholes, or curbs.
• Collisions with cars, particularly at intersections where drivers may not see a child approaching.
• Injuries from falls, including concussions, fractures, and dental trauma.
• Pedestrian injuries, when children ride unsafely on sidewalks.

In Ontario, hospitals are seeing an increase in emergency room visits linked to e-scooter accidents. Many of these involve young, inexperienced riders.

Essential Safety Steps for Parents

Parents who choose to allow older teens to ride e-scooters should take extra steps to reduce the risk of serious injury.

1. Follow the Age and Helmet Laws
Never allow children under 16 to ride an e-scooter on public roads. Ensure that teens under 18 always wear a properly fitted helmet approved for cycling or skateboarding.

2. Choose Safe Routes
Encourage your teen to ride only in permitted areas, such as designated bike lanes or multi-use paths. Avoid busy streets, high-traffic intersections, and areas with poor lighting.

3. Inspect the E-Scooter
Before each ride, check that brakes, tires, and lights are working. A quick inspection can prevent malfunctions that cause accidents.

4. Teach Safe Riding Habits
Educate your child about riding predictably and defensively:

• Stay alert and watch for opening car doors, turning vehicles, and pedestrians.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars at all times.
• Use lights and wear reflective clothing if riding at dawn, dusk, or night.
• Never ride with a passenger,  most e-scooters are designed for one person only.

5. Avoid Distractions
Headphones and phones are major distractions. Riders should never text or listen to music while operating an e-scooter.

6. Supervise Younger Teens
If your teen is new to riding, supervise their first few trips. Consider setting rules about when and where they can ride.

If an E-Scooter Accident Happens

Accidents can still happen, even when safety steps are followed. If your child is injured while riding an e-scooter — or struck by one — it’s important to understand your legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to make a claim through your own insurance or against a negligent driver or rider.

Our Accident Benefits team at Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law can help you navigate these complex claims and secure compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

We’re Here to Help

When it comes to e-scooters and kids, a proactive approach to safety and awareness of the law are key. If you have questions about an e-scooter injury, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to protect your family’s rights and help you move forward.

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.