Nanaimo RCMP issues safety warning after second e‑scooter collision in a month

The Nanaimo RCMP has renewed its appeal to residents, parents and young people to follow provincial rules for electric kick scooters after a second collision involving e‑scooter riders in the city in the span of a month.

Collision details and enforcement

The latest incident took place just before 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 at the intersection of Uplands Drive and Villa Road. Police say two youths were travelling at high speed on the sidewalk when one rider collided with a vehicle making a right turn. The rider was thrown onto the roadway and sustained injuries that required medical attention. Investigators found the rider’s helmet had not been properly fastened and came off during the collision.

RCMP further determined both riders were using the sidewalk and were below the minimum age of 16 set out in British Columbia’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project regulations. Tickets were issued under the applicable provincial rules.

Earlier incident and RCMP response

The earlier crash occurred on Tuesday, June 23 at Metral Drive and Bergen‑Op‑Zoom Drive. According to police, a commercial van turning right collided with a 15‑year‑old boy travelling southbound on the adjacent multi‑use pathway. The youth received a ticket for failing to wear a helmet and for operating an e‑scooter while underage.

“They are vehicles that can travel at significant speeds and, when operated improperly, can result in serious injuries,” said Insp. Donovan Tait, operations officer for the Nanaimo RCMP.

Insp. Tait told InfoRadar the force is directing youth section members and frontline officers to provide education and guidance to young riders with the goal of preventing further collisions and reducing serious injuries.

• Key legal points: Provincial pilot project sets a minimum operating age of 16 for many e‑scooters.
• Helmet requirement: Riders must wear helmets and ensure they are properly secured.
• Where to ride: Sidewalk use is restricted under the pilot regulations; misuse can attract fines.

Local context and consequences

The back‑to‑back incidents underline a wider challenge for municipalities and police forces as micro‑mobility devices proliferate. For Nanaimo families, the immediate consequences include medical treatment for injured riders, provincial tickets and increased police outreach. For city planners and policymakers, repeated collisions raise questions about public education, enforcement priorities and the suitability of certain streets and pathways for mixed vehicle and pedestrian use.

Police have not released further details about the injuries sustained in the July crash beyond that medical care was required. Both collisions resulted in tickets rather than criminal charges, consistent with enforcement under the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulations.

RCMP officers say they will continue targeted education and enforcement aimed at young riders. Parents and guardians are being asked to discuss safe operation, helmet fit and the legal requirements for e‑scooter use with their children.