# Micromobility safety and regulation efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/micromobility-safety-and-regulation-efforts
> Updated: 2026-09-02T08:38:52.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Safety concerns regarding e-bikes and e-scooters have prompted calls for stricter regulations and local government action in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.

In Australia, the Local Government Association has recommended adopting national e-bike standards based on European norms to ensure devices function like bicycles. This follows reports of illegal devices, unsafe speeds, and pedestrian safety issues. In Canada, data from the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program highlights a rise in severe injuries and deaths among children; in 2025, ten children died using electronic micromobility devices, with 57 pediatric patients requiring intensive care or prolonged hospital stays. While many provinces set a minimum riding age of 16, approximately 80 per cent of reported cases involved riders under that age.

Local authorities are implementing specific policy interventions. The Wellington Village Council approved new ordinances to restrict device usage areas and expand enforcement authority following accidents involving children. In Prince Rupert, Canada, the city council is seeking clarity on managing electric kick scooters, which are currently technically illegal under provincial pilot projects, citing concerns over sidewalk safety and underage riders.

In Penticton, Canada, authorities are focusing on education and policing, with the RCMP working with school districts to address youth usage. Meanwhile, in Cape Town, South Africa, the Sea Point Promenade has implemented an 8km/h speed limit for e-scooters to protect pedestrians. The new protocol grants pedestrians the right of way and prohibits racing or riding on grass, following incidents involving pedestrians, including a child.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Global cities implement new regulations to manage e-scooter safety

Cities in Canada and South Africa are introducing new regulations and enforcement strategies to manage e-scooter safety and protect pedestrians in busy public areas.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-cities-implement-new-regulations-to-manage-e-scooter-safety

### 2026-08-20: Local councils move to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters

Local councils in Wellington and Prince Rupert are implementing or seeking new regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters to address rising safety concerns and legal ambiguities.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/local-councils-move-to-regulate-e-bikes-and-e-scooters

### 2026-08-16: Safety concerns drive calls for stricter e-bike and e-scooter regulations

Authorities in Australia and Canada are seeking stricter regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters due to rising safety concerns, including a spike in pediatric injuries and reports of unsafe riding behavior.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/safety-concerns-drive-calls-for-stricter-e-bike-and-e-scooter-regulations

---
Cite as: Micromobility safety and regulation efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/micromobility-safety-and-regulation-efforts