Calgarians rushing through last-minute Christmas shopping are being warned against buying kids e-scooters for their children. Calgary emergency physician Dr. Stephanie VandenBerg said she gives an “unequivocal no” to gifting e-scooters due to injury risks and legal restrictions.
“I’m sorry to be a Scrooge at Christmastime,” said VandenBerg, who helped launch Calgary’s shared e-scooters in 2019. She emphasized that minors are especially at risk.
“It’s a mix of reaching high speeds quickly, lacking balance and core stability, and having an underdeveloped frontal lobe, which makes it hard for kids to assess risk,” she said.
Alberta Health Services data shows 3,660 e-scooter-related injuries treated in Calgary-zone emergency departments and urgent care centres between January 2022 and August 2025. Injuries among those 17 and under rose nearly 68 per cent over that period.
E-scooter Laws for Kids E-Scooters
Kathy Belton, director of the University of Alberta’s Injury Prevention Centre, said confusion over e-scooter rules is a key factor.
“Private e-scooters are not allowed on public roads, sidewalks, ditches next to roads, or areas where vehicles can park or travel,” she said. Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act makes private e-scooters illegal on public property.
Calgary allows private e-scooters on bike lanes at speeds under 20 km/h as part of a pilot project. Alberta’s transportation minister, Devin Dreeshen, said regulations could be updated to better define and manage e-scooter use.
Rented e-scooters, like Bird and Neuron, require users to be 18 or older. Private e-scooters have no official age limit, but Belton recommends riders under 16 avoid them. Safety tips include wearing helmets, avoiding alcohol or drugs, riding solo, and staying clear of traffic.
Expert and Store Owner Advice on Kids E-Scooters
At Voltz eBikes in Calgary, owner Sualeh Nauman said e-scooters can be safe if used responsibly. He doesn’t believe minors should be banned entirely, but emphasized rules and precautions.
“If you speed in a car, you can get into an accident. If you don’t wear a seatbelt, you can get hurt. We don’t ban cars; we teach rules and follow them,” said Nauman.
He recommends all customers, especially young riders, wear helmets, follow local laws, and buy certified e-scooters even if they cost more. Following these steps makes riding kids e-scooters safer and more responsible.
Parents must weigh fun against safety. Awareness, proper gear, and knowledge of regulations are key to preventing injuries from kids e-scooters.
