Urgent: E-Scooter Rider Dies in London Collision, Safety Concerns Rise

BREAKING: An e-scooter rider tragically died after a collision in northeast London on September 27, 2023, raising urgent safety concerns for riders across the city. The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. on Beckworth Avenue, involving a paratransit van and a 47-year-old man who was operating the e-scooter.

London Police Staff Sgt. Michael Anderson confirmed the rider succumbed to injuries from the crash. “We are still in the early stages of that investigation, and the Road Safety Section has begun taking over that investigation,” Anderson stated, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

This incident comes on the heels of alarming new data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, which revealed a 32% increase in reported e-scooter hospitalizations over the past year, escalating from 375 in July 2024 to 498 in July 2025. The rising toll emphasizes the urgent need for better safety measures and awareness among riders and motorists alike.

E-scooter operators, such as Samantha Cotterill and Jacori Krasnicki, expressed their concerns while also highlighting the appeal of e-scooters. “It’s pretty fun. Easy to navigate. Easy to control. They’re very fast,” Krasnicki noted. Cotterill added, “If you’re not paying attention, I’m sure it’d be unsafe. But if you’re paying attention, you’ll be okay.”

Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, e-scooters are limited to a maximum speed of 24 km/h. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and helmets are mandatory for those under 18. Despite regulations, e-scooters are prohibited on sidewalks but are allowed on bike paths in London.

Cycling advocate Andrew McCleneghan of the London Bicycle Café stressed the importance of road safety for all users. “There are more blind spots to check. Just take it slow, or even just drive the speed limit,” he advised, emphasizing the need for infrastructure improvements to accommodate various road users.

In light of this tragic incident, the London Police Service is urgently seeking public assistance. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash between 4:10 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. or who possesses dashcam, residential, or business footage to contact them immediately.

As the investigation unfolds, the community is grappling with the implications for e-scooter safety and usage. With rising hospitalizations and now a fatality, the conversation around e-scooter regulations and rider awareness is more critical than ever. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.