As the holiday shopping rush ensues in Calgary, medical professionals are urging parents to reconsider purchasing electric scooters for their children. Dr. Stephanie VandenBerg, an emergency department physician in Calgary, strongly advises against gifting e-scooters for Christmas, highlighting the risks of injuries and the complex regulations surrounding private e-scooter use. VandenBerg, who collaborated with the City of Calgary during the introduction of shared e-scooters in 2019, emphasized the dangers of minors operating these devices due to factors such as high speeds, lack of balance, and cognitive development limitations.
Recent statistics from Alberta Health Services revealed that emergency departments and urgent care centers in the Calgary area treated 3,660 e-scooter-related injuries between January 2022 and August 2025, with a significant rise in incidents among individuals aged 17 and under, showing a nearly 68% increase from 2022 to 2025.
Kathy Belton, the director of the University of Alberta’s Injury Prevention Centre, pointed out the lack of awareness regarding e-scooter laws as a contributing factor to the problem. Private e-scooters are generally prohibited on public roads and sidewalks under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, except for designated areas like Calgary’s bike lanes where they can be used at speeds below 20 km/h as part of a pilot project.
The government of Alberta, under the direction of Minister Devin Dreeshen, is currently reviewing regulations related to e-scooters to enhance safety measures and better define their usage. While age restrictions are imposed on rented e-scooters, with users required to be 18 or older, there are no specific age limits for private e-scooter ownership. However, Belton recommended that individuals under 16 years old should not operate such vehicles.
Sualeh Nauman, owner of Voltz eBikes in Calgary, emphasized the importance of adhering to safety guidelines when using e-scooters, suggesting that the benefits can outweigh the risks if used responsibly. Nauman advocated for enforcing rules rather than banning young people from using e-scooters, emphasizing the importance of education and compliance with municipal laws. He also stressed the significance of purchasing certified e-scooters to ensure quality and safety standards are met.
