Fredericton Could Soon Start Enforcing Helmets for E-Scooter Riders

City Councillors of Fredericton are considering adding a bylaw amendment in the beginning of March that would make it illegal to ride an e-scooter without a helmet. Fines for anyone caught breaking are subject to a $25 dollar fine. On repeated offenses, the fine could balloon up to $1,100. This is in an effort to update laws around the cities parks, trails, and other rideable areas especially with newer devices such as electric scooters and e-bikes. 

The current law labeled as L-19, makes no specific mention of motorized micro-mobility devices such as e-scooters and e-bikes. These amendments would affect most scooters, skateboards, e-bikes and other e-vehicles that do not exceed 115 kilograms. 

The amendments go into further specifics on what exactly qualifies as a micro-mobility device as well as including etiquette guidelines. Councillors have already voted in favor for the amendments, twice but said changes will not be final until a third reading in mid-March. The votes aren't only for helmet requirements but top speed increases, education, and limiting power of the devices. 

Safety comes above all else. Ideally, more towns and cities follow Fredericton's changes to their current system. Lawmakers don't necessarily have to draft up brand new laws but build upon the ones already in place. Change is possibly if people are behind it. Remember to ride safe and don't forget your helmet. 

Ride Together. Ride GOTRAX.