What to know
- Xav Trudeau appeared in a back-to-school campaign for micromobility brand Navee Canada.
- Fans criticized the singer-songwriter after he was shown riding an e-scooter without a helmet.
- Trudeau said the scooter was provided without a helmet but acknowledged he should have taken the extra step to get one.
- He apologized and said he will always wear a helmet when riding a scooter going forward.
Xav Trudeau, the son of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is apologizing after appearing without a helmet in a back-to-school ad for an electric scooter brand.
Trudeau, who is also a singer-songwriter, recently appeared in a back-to-school campaign for Navee Canada, a brand specializing in micromobility and personal electric devices.
In the ad, Trudeau is seen showcasing one of the brand’s electric scooters and riding it through several streets without a helmet.
Fans and followers were quick to point out the missing helmet in the comments, with some also questioning whether helmets are legally required when riding an electric scooter in Ontario.
In Ontario, e-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old. Helmets are required for riders under 18, while they are strongly recommended for all riders.
Following the reaction, Trudeau addressed the situation in an Instagram Story, explaining that the scooter was provided to him without a helmet. He acknowledged, however, that he should have taken the extra step to get one himself.
“We absolutely should have taken the extra step to get one and wear it. Safety is the most important thing, and I take full responsibility for not taking that precaution,” he wrote.
Trudeau said that going forward, he will always wear a helmet when riding a scooter.
“And I encourage everyone to do the same,” he added.
