A 13-year-old riding an e-scooter was seriously injured Monday after colliding with a car in Maple Ridge, the latest in a growing number of such incidents involving youth across Metro Vancouver.
Crash Details
Maple Ridge RCMP responded to the collision at approximately 5 p.m. near 232nd Street and 124th Avenue. Officers found the teen suffering from serious injuries and provided first aid before emergency health services transported the youth to hospital. Police said the injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
The teen was riding the e-scooter northbound when it struck a grey Audi sedan. Investigators said the car was parked along 232nd Street and the driver was attempting to pull into traffic. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with police.
Helmet Use and Legal Age
Police confirmed the youth was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. Authorities reminded the public that electric kick scooters require riders to be at least 16 years old, and parents are not permitted to allow younger children to ride them.
The incident comes just two weeks after a 12-year-old was injured in a similar crash in North Vancouver.
Rising Trend in Youth E-Scooter Injuries
According to Trauma Services B.C., there has been a clear upward trend in e-scooter-related injuries among children and youth. The number of youths with severe injuries rose from fewer than five cases in 2021 to 10 cases in 2024. Police say traffic collisions involving youth and children have more than doubled in one year across Metro Vancouver.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Maple Ridge RCMP at 604-463-6251.
