With the holiday season approaching, the City of London is issuing a stark warning to parents and gift-givers: think twice before putting an electric scooter under the tree for a young child. The caution highlights significant safety concerns and emphasizes that these popular devices are governed by specific municipal bylaws that restrict who can legally operate them.
The Official Warning from City Hall
The public advisory was formally announced on November 11, 2025. Officials are concerned that well-meaning families may purchase e-scooters as gifts without being fully aware of the potential dangers or the local regulations. The city wants to prevent accidents and ensure residents understand the rules of the road before these devices are unwrapped.
CTV London’s Daryl Newcombe reported on the story, bringing attention to the city's safety campaign. The core message is clear: e-scooters are not toys, and their operation comes with serious responsibilities.
Understanding the Rules and Risks
Electric scooters are subject to a specific bylaw in London. A key point of this regulation is the minimum age requirement for riders. Gifting an e-scooter to a child who is too young to legally operate it could lead to fines and, more importantly, put the child at risk.
Beyond the legal age restriction, the city points to several safety risks, including:
- Lack of protective equipment: Riders, especially inexperienced ones, are vulnerable to falls and collisions.
- Unpredictability in traffic: Sharing the road with cars and pedestrians requires skill and awareness.
- Mechanical failure: Like any vehicle, e-scooters can malfunction, potentially causing accidents.
The compact size and quiet motors of e-scooters can also make them less visible to drivers, increasing the risk of collisions.
A Safer Holiday Season for Everyone
The City of London’s pre-holiday campaign is ultimately a proactive measure in public safety. By informing residents now, they hope to reduce the number of e-scooter-related incidents that could result in emergency room visits during the festive period.
The advice from officials is to always check the local bylaws and ensure that the recipient of any motorized vehicle gift is of legal age, possesses the necessary skills to operate it safely, and understands the importance of wearing a helmet and following all traffic laws. This holiday season, the best gift may be one that prioritizes safety above surprise.
