Home / Health / BC Schools Ban E-Bikes Amid Injury Surge
BC Schools Ban E-Bikes Amid Injury Surge
4 Sep
Summary
- Two BC school districts banned e-bikes and scooters.
- Hospital sees rise in severe brain injuries from crashes.
- Highest ER visits are for children aged 13 and 15.
Multiple British Columbia school districts are banning electric bikes and scooters on their grounds as the new school year begins. This measure follows a significant rise in injuries sustained by underage riders.
The Langley School District has prohibited e-scooters and e-dirt bikes at all its schools. Similarly, the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district will send elementary students home if they arrive on an e-bike or scooter.
These decisions were influenced by an increase in accidents involving children and youth. Dr. Genevieve Ernst of BC Children's Hospital noted a steep rise in emergency room visits and severe brain injuries among young patients due to e-scooter crashes.
Legal age requirements for e-bike riders are 14 and for e-scooter riders are 16. However, data indicates that the highest proportion of e-scooter crash emergency room visits involve children aged 13 and 15.
