Public health: parents should keep kids off e-scooters
Medical officer of health says scooters 'are not toys' and not allowed in Wellington County
GUELPH – With school about to begin and much confusion about the topic across the province, Dr. Nicola Mercer tried to clarify the use of e-scooters at the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) board of health meeting on Sept. 2.
“It’s an important topic,” the medical officer of health told the board during her verbal report.
“Sadly, we will have e-scooter accidents.”
E-scooters are only allowed in Ontario in municipalities that have specifically passed bylaws allowing them. This is a pilot project while the province figures out rules and regulations.
So they are allowed in Guelph and Kitchener, but not in Wellington County or Dufferin County.
Mercer stressed that riders must be 16 or older and 16- and 17-year-olds must wear a helmet.
E-scooters are only allowed on roads or bike lanes and not sidewalks. And the maximum speed allowed is 24km/h, although some are capable of going as fast as 60km/h, she said.
“We’re seeing children 12 or 13 riding them at high speeds, often without helmets,” she said. “Sick Kids hospital is seeing two or three accidents a week,” which makes them a public health concern.
Guelph councillors who sit on the board said they have been hearing complaints from constituents and have witnessed some risky behaviour themselves.
“I see lots of kids going 50 or 60km/h,” said Rodrigo Goller.
Linda Busuttil said seniors walking on sidewalks often complain when e-scooters go zipping past.
She wondered if the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Active and Safe Routes to School committee is aware.
“I think there’s a lack of understanding about the dangers of e-scooters,” Mercer said. “These are not toys.”
These, of course, are the motorized version of scooters. Non-motorized scooters are appropriate for children, although Mercer recommended helmets should be worn.
