E-scooter fatalities highlight safety concerns in Canada and Australia

Police in Vancouver warned riders after a woman died in a July 3 e‑scooter crash that struck the side of a vehicle near Venables Street and Commercial Drive. She was not wearing a helmet, hit her head on the ground and died in hospital despite initially being conscious. Vancouver police emphasized that a properly fitted helmet could have reduced the severity of her injuries.

In Hervey Bay, Queensland, a 39‑year‑old man was killed when his e‑scooter collided with an electric skateboard on Boat Harbour Drive. The skateboard rider, 30, suffered serious head and facial injuries. The incident occurred shortly after new e‑mobility laws were introduced, imposing speed limits, helmet requirements and giving police powers to seize illegal devices. Authorities have been seizing dozens of e‑scooters and e‑bikes, and stress that helmets are mandatory across the state.