Petition started to end e-scooter pilot program in Kamloops after teen’s death

In Kamloops, B.C., a petition has been initiated to terminate the city's e-scooter pilot program following the tragic death of an 18-year-old, Hunter Dennis. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 16th, at approximately 4 a.m. near the intersection of Battle Street and Lee Road, where Dennis was involved in an e-scooter accident. His online friends have since begun an online petition, which has since garnered nearly 1,000 signatures, in tribute to Dennis.

The City of Kamloops initiated the pilot program with the intention of "expanding active transportation opportunities that support council’s strategic goals on mobility and climate action." However, the program has become controversial in light of a recent surge in e-scooter hospitalizations nationwide.

Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a Pediatric Emergency Physician at Sick Kids Hospital and Chair of the Injury Prevention Committee for the Canadian Pediatric Society, expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of e-scooter usage. He stated that "for whatever reason, we’ve seen a real tipping point this past summer of just the prevalence of people using these devices," leading to heightened injury rates.

Michael Temer, from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, emphasized the importance of understanding the risks associated with e-scooters. He noted that "this is still a relatively new and rising technology" and that as governments seek to regulate them, public opinion on their use is evolving. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, e-scooter crashes requiring hospitalization have doubled in B.C. over the past four years, with 172 cases reported.

The B.C. Coroners Service has investigated nine e-scooter-related deaths since 2021, underscoring the growing concern over the safety of these devices.