Alarming Study on Electric Scooter Injuries
Concerns Raised by the Study’s Results
Starting from July 20th, electric scooters will be allowed to legally operate on the streets of Quebec where the speed limit is 50 km/h or lower. The Legault government has given the green light to a three-year pilot project aimed at testing this type of vehicle for drivers aged 14 and older.
While electric scooters are currently considered “illegal” in Quebec, they are increasingly present on the streets of Montreal. This legal ambiguity will come to an end in two weeks thanks to a ministerial decree issued by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault.
In a five-page document, the minister argues the need to further explore the use of electric scooters while ensuring road safety.
Marc Dupont, an enthusiastic resident, states, “I am thrilled to finally be able to freely ride my electric scooter on the streets of Montreal. It is a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation that facilitates my daily commutes.”
Although a dockless electric scooter pilot project has been underway since July 1st at Parc Jean-Drapeau, the minister believes that these initiatives do not fully evaluate the use of electric scooters and personal transportation devices.
Electric scooters will be allowed to travel in Quebec at a maximum speed of 25 km/h, with a motor power limit of 500 watts. They must be equipped with wheels with a diameter of at least 19 centimeters and reflectors, while their maximum weight will be 36 kilograms.
Only one person at a time will be allowed to use the scooters, and the use of headphones will be prohibited.
Nicolas Vigneault, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, explains, “For the past two or three years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of these vehicles on the bike network.”
He also emphasizes that current legislation must consider the arrival of new emerging vehicles in the coming years, such as single-wheeled electric gyroscopes without hand support. These vehicles will also be allowed starting from July 20th, according to the decree adopted on Thursday.
In Laval, the city that has been waiting for the approval of the Quebec government to launch a dockless scooter pilot project, municipal regulations will be modified to comply with this new legislative framework. Philippe Déry, head of public affairs for the municipality, confirms that the first permit is ready to be put into effect in collaboration with the provider Bird Canada.
“This is good news for citizens as it opens the door to new forms of sustainable mobility,” says the spokesperson. “We have received numerous messages from residents eager to enjoy dockless electric scooters. This will facilitate their travel and contribute to better air quality in our city,” he adds.
This summer, a hundred scooters will be deployed at 33 stations spread between Curé-Labelle Boulevard and des Laurentides Boulevard, and between A440 and the Rivière des Prairies. The city also plans to accommodate other providers in the project.
The minute-rate for dockless scooters in Laval, to be set by the operator, has not been specified. The scooters will be equipped with GPS sensors to locate them in real-time. If a user goes beyond the operating zone, the scooter will gradually slow down before coming to a stop.
Concerns Regarding Potential Risks of Electric Scooters
Despite widespread enthusiasm, some are not convinced that this project is an excellent idea. One person, who preferred to remain anonymous, questions the potential issues these scooters could pose due to their speed and silence. “I wonder if they could become a source of danger, given how fast and quiet they can be. We need to be vigilant and aware of other road users,” said this individual.
One of the largest studies on electric scooter injuries raises several concerns for us. This study, published on January 13, 2023, examines various aspects of injuries associated with electric scooters between June 2019 and December 2021, and raises concerns regarding their use.
To safely integrate electric scooters into our transportation system, it is essential to understand the health risks and related causative factors. While the study highlights the risks faced by electric scooter drivers, it is important to note that injuries associated with non-drivers may be underreported or poorly documented.
The study revealed that pedestrians are most at risk, whether due to collisions with electric scooter drivers or falls caused by improperly parked electric scooters. These findings raise concerns about pedestrian safety and coexistence with electric scooters in public spaces.
The most common injuries related to electric scooter use involve the head and face.
Risks to the Safety of Electric Scooter Users
The study’s results highlight frequent injuries to the head and face, raising concerns about the safety of electric scooter users.
It is concerning to note that some of these injuries require advanced medical care. Facial fractures and maxillofacial trauma are also more common. These findings raise concerns about the safety of electric scooter users and emphasize the need for prevention measures and awareness campaigns to reduce these risks.
One of the main concerns is the safety of pedestrians in areas where electric scooters are used. Studies have shown that pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to collisions with electric scooter drivers and falls caused by improperly parked electric scooters. The elderly population seems to be at higher risk, raising concerns about their safety and well-being in the urban environment. Measures must be taken to ensure safe coexistence between pedestrians and electric scooter users, with an emphasis on awareness and regulation of parking areas.
The study’s results also underscore the need for clear and well-defined rules for electric scooter use. It is crucial to establish safety standards for users and ensure that electric scooters are used responsibly and respectfully towards other road users. Measures such as designated parking areas, appropriate speed limits, and awareness campaigns are necessary to reduce risks and ensure harmonious coexistence in public spaces.
As the electric scooter pilot project prepares to launch, it is essential to continue evaluating the risks and impacts of these new forms of mobility. It is important to remain vigilant about the evolving situation and make necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of all road users. Lessons from this study and other similar research should be taken into account to inform future policies and regulations regarding the use of electric scooters. It is also crucial to address legitimate concerns and continue assessing the impacts of these new modes of transportation on the streets of Quebec.
Source: https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/transports-urbanisme/794192/les-trottinettes-electriques-pourront-circuler-au-quebec-jusqu-a-25-km-h