Nova Scotia to ban children under 14 from riding e-bikes and e-scooters

Nova Scotia is set to implement a ban on children under 14 from operating e-bikes and e-scooters. This age restriction is a key component of upcoming amendments to the province's Traffic Safety Act, announced by Public Works Minister Fred Tilley.

The decision comes in response to the growing popularity of electronic scooters and a corresponding rise in related injuries. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported 498 e-scooter hospitalizations in 2023-2024, a significant increase from the previous year. Stephanie Cowle, director at Parachute Canada, an injury prevention organization, noted that the rise in injuries is particularly pronounced among children aged five to 17.

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The technology on bicycles and cars is changing on the daily, which allows these conveyances to move faster. You start to get into a different level of conveyance than a traditional bicycle or cycle.

Minister Tilley highlighted the rapid advancement of technology in both bicycles and cars, which allows these conveyances to reach higher speeds. He stated that these devices are evolving beyond traditional bicycles, necessitating new safety measures. Concerns also extend to the safety of adult riders, as some e-scooters can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, far exceeding the average speed of a traditional bicycle.

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There are particular risks for children, but we also want to think about the safety of adults using these devices.

While regulations vary across Canadian provinces, many mandate helmets and restrict where e-bikes and e-scooters can be ridden. However, there is currently no widespread regulation limiting the purchase speed of these devices. Some jurisdictions are considering new classifications for higher-speed devices, requiring licenses, while parts of Europe classify devices exceeding 25 km/h as mopeds. Quebec already requires a specific license for riders aged 14 to 17.

Representatives from Nova Scotia's NDP and Liberal parties have welcomed the proposed regulations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety measures as new transportation technologies emerge in communities across the province.

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This is something that is really emerging in communities across the province. So we want to make sure that as anything new comes online that people are safe, that all of the restrictions are looked at.