Riding electric scooters without a helmet is dangerous, yet most Montrealers do it
Posted July 22, 2024 11:51 am.
Less than one in ten electric-scooter users wear a helmet in most major cities around the world, including Montreal, according to a recent study.
A La Presse article reveals that 95 per cent of people who ride electric scooters don’t wear a helmet most of the time, even though it’s one of the main risk factors for accidents.
Electric scooters were legalized last year in the province on streets where the maximum speed is 50 km/h or less. Since then, the number of e-scooter riders continues to grow, but public awareness about the dangers of riding without a helmet has not.
About 20 per cent of collisions involves impacts to the head, which can be very dangerous. About a third of accidents involve an object or pothole, another third a pedestrian or cyclist and a final third with motorists.
20 SPVM cadets to raise public awareness
The City of Montreal is aiming to raise more awareness and educate the public to the dangers of riding e-scooters without a protective helmet.
Over the past three months, the Montreal Children’s Hospital’s Trauma Centre has treated seven patients with scooter-related injuries.
A special team of about 20 cadets from the Montreal Police will travel all summer long on scooters to prevent the risk of accidents.
The young police officers in training will roam the streets of Montreal on electric scooters and raise awareness about the need to wear a protective helmet.
