An emergency room physician at the Janeway Children’s Hospital is calling for stricter rules governing e-bikes and e-scooters after a seasonal spike in young patients requiring treatment for serious injuries, vocm.com reported.
Janeway Children’s Hospital Reports Rising Injuries
Dr. Gillian Sheppard stated that during her 15 years working in the emergency room, she has never witnessed hospitalizations related to these personal electric vehicles reach current levels. Multiple accidents occurred throughout the summer across the province, frequently involving children.
According to Sheppard, the devices are fundamentally built for adults rather than youths. Both the Canadian Pediatric Society and Parachute Canada advise that individuals under 16 should not operate e-bikes or e-scooters.
Rural Emergency Departments Experience Similar Surges
The rise in trauma cases is not isolated to St. John’s. Sheppard noted that colleagues stationed in rural emergency departments across the province report identical upward trends in machine-related pediatric injuries.
Many of these personal electric transport machines reach speeds exceeding 32 kilometers per hour.
Experts Recommend Certified Motorcycle Helmets for High Speed Vehicles
Sheppard emphasized that operators require specialized protective gear due to the high speeds involved. Standard bicycle helmets may not offer sufficient protection for motor vehicles operating at higher velocities.
“We don’t actually have any research to suggest which helmet is appropriate,” Sheppard told vocm.com. “So we would recommend that when they’re riding a motor vehicle, like an e-bike or e-scooter that’s going over 32 kilometers per hour, which many of these vehicles do, that they wear a certified moped or motorcycle helmet.”
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Scooter Regulations
What age restrictions apply to e-bikes and e-scooters?
The Canadian Pediatric Society and Parachute Canada advise that children under the age of 16 should not operate e-bikes or e-scooters.
What speeds do these personal electric vehicles reach?
Many e-bikes and e-scooters currently in use travel at speeds exceeding 32 kilometers per hour.
What type of safety gear do medical professionals recommend?
Due to high operating speeds, medical professionals recommend that riders of vehicles going over 32 kilometers per hour wear a certified moped or motorcycle helmet rather than a standard bicycle helmet.
Patient Safety Considerations at the Janeway
Medical staff continue treating seasonal trauma cases linked to high-speed personal transport devices. Physicians maintain that clearer provincial oversight remains necessary to protect minors from severe transport-related trauma.
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