E-bike, e-scooter injuries are on the rise and N.L. wants public input on regulations

With the rise in popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes, the Newfoundland and Labrador government is seeking the public’s input on new road safety regulations.

Government Services Minister Mike Goosney told reporters on Thursday that legislation needs to keep up with technological advances.

“There are no secrets that there will be incidents if we don't address it sooner than later,” he said.

Prior to this announcement, parents in Labrador west told CBC News that they hope the province will move on regulating these modes of transportation to make it safer.

Jackie Granter and Kesha Morgan said they’ve seen more of these motorized vehicles on the road but have concerns that they aren’t operating safely and riders rarely wear helmets.

“You could be driving along and the scooter’s in front of you and then all of a sudden they cut right in front of you,” Granter told CBC Radio’s Labrador Morning .

Morgan said she also doesn’t see these riders sharing the road, which she attributes to a lack of safety instructions prior to getting an e-scooter.

“Fortunately I haven't had any near misses myself, but I have seen vehicles either ahead of me having to swerve very far around some kids on scooters,” said Morgan.

Both parents said they support efforts by the provincial government to make changes to the Highway Traffic Act to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters.

“I think it's a good idea and I hope that they don't take a long time to figure it out,” said Granter.

She would like to see a safety course that teaches the rules of the road prior to children being allowed to operate these forms of transportation, adding it should be on municipalities and the province to bring in rules and enforce them.

Morgan would like to see a program that acts like a road test that requires users to carry a pass on them while operating these types of motorized vehicles.

An online questionnaire is available on engagenl.ca for the public to give their input.

The survey asks about potential safety requirements like age requirements, helmets, reflective gear, education and other rules. It also asks if there should be a minimum age to operate devices, where should people be allowed to operate (On or off the sidewalk, for example), and speed limits.