Saint-Laurent bans e-scooters in parks after surge in youth injuries

The borough of Saint-Laurent in Montreal adopted a new bylaw that bars electric scooters, e-unicycles and other motorised personal mobility devices from parks, trails and sidewalks within its jurisdiction. Councilor Vana Nazarian explained the rule aims to keep vulnerable groups, especially children and seniors, safe as the popularity of these devices rises. The decision follows a dramatic increase in injuries: Deborah Friedman, trauma director at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, said e-scooter-related traumas are now 14 times higher than in 2023, with roughly 80 cases recorded in 2025 and 112 so far this year, many involving serious brain, facial and limb injuries.

Quebec’s broader pilot still permits riders aged 14 and up on roads with speed limits below 50 km/h, enforces a 25 km/h cap and requires helmets. Friedman calls for stricter age thresholds, a mandatory Class 6D licence and better helmet standards, and she places some responsibility on manufacturers for marketing devices as toys. She hopes other municipalities will follow Saint-Laurent’s lead.