Two Nanaimo e-scooter collision in one month prompts warning from RCMP

The Nanaimo RCMP is again reminding residents, parents, and youth about the importance of helmet use and following provincial regulations surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters after a recent collision involving an [...]

Two Nanaimo e-scooter collision in one month prompts warning from RCMP Published 11:30 am Friday, July 17, 2026 The Nanaimo RCMP is again reminding residents, parents, and youth about the importance of helmet use and following provincial regulations surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters after a recent collision involving an electric scooter rider in Nanaimo. It’s the second collision involving e-scooters in the city in the past month.

The latest incident occurred just before 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at the intersection of Uplands Drive and Villa Road. The preliminary investigation determined that two youths riding e-scooters were travelling at a high rate of speed on the sidewalk when one of the riders collided with a vehicle that was making a right turn at the intersection. The rider was thrown onto the roadway and sustained injuries requiring medical attention.

Investigators learned that the rider’s helmet was not properly secured and came off during the collision. Police also determined both e-scooter riders were operating on the sidewalk and were under the minimum age of 16, as required under the regulations of British Columbia’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project. Both were issued tickets under the applicable regulations.

“This collision serves as an important reminder that e-scooters and e-bikes are not toys,” said Insp. Donovan Tait, operations officer for the Nanaimo RCMP. “They are vehicles that can travel at significant speeds and, when operated improperly, can result in serious injuries.

Our youth section members and frontline officers have been tasked with helping young riders understand the rules and regulations by providing education and guidance with the end goal, to hopefully prevent collisions and serious injuries.” The other collision occurred on Tuesday, June 23, at the intersection of Metral Drive and Bergen-Op-Zoom Drive. A northbound commercial van on Metral Drive was turning right onto Bergen-Op-Zoom Drive when it collided with a 15-year-old boy travelling southbound on the adjacent multi-use pathway.

The youth was issued a ticket under the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulations for failing to wear a helmet and operating an e-scooter while under the minimum age. The Nanaimo RCMP is reminding riders and parents that helmets must be worn properly and securely fastened at all times, riders must meet the minimum age requirements established under provincial regulations, e-scooters and e-bikes must be operated in accordance with provincial and municipal bylaws, and riding on sidewalks is not allowed. As the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters continues to grow, police encourage riders and parents to familiarize themselves with the applicable regulations and prioritize safe riding practices.