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SickKids seeing growing number of injuries from e-scooters and e-bicycles
Summary:
Children under 16 years old should not operate e-devices, which can place them at risk of serious injury in the event of a fall or collision.
Amid growing popularity of battery-powered recreational devices, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeing more children and youth present to the Emergency Department (ED) for injuries resulting from the use of e-scooters and e-bicycles. In June and July 2024, SickKids has seen 16 injuries related to e-scooter use, compared to five injuries in June and July of 2023.
“E-scooters and other similar devices can be attractive to children who may view them as toys or youth who use them for transportation,” says Dr. Suzanne Beno, Medical Co-Director of the Trauma Program and Emergency Physician at SickKids. “We are seeing a notable increase in patients presenting to the Emergency Department with significant injuries from e-scooter use this season; high speed, a lack of helmet use, young age and interaction with motor vehicles all place children and youth at risk of serious injury if there is a fall or collision.”
Since 2020, the SickKids Trauma Registry has seen a significant increase in the number of serious injuries relating to battery-powered devices. E-scooters in particular account for 85 per cent of battery-powered device related injuries in the Registry from 2021 to 2024. In 56 per cent of e-scooter related injuries seen in SickKids ED, the child or youth was not wearing a helmet. The dramatic rise in injury rates in recent years, and this summer alone, reflects a potentially emerging and concerning trend.
Current laws around these devices vary depending on the device type and municipality, which can make it difficult for families to understand which devices are suitable for use by different age groups. It is recommended that families read and understand their local regulations on e-devices before operating them. Children may not have the knowledge, strength, or ability to operate these devices safely, and these devices are generally not recommended for use by children and adolescents.
Some safety tips you can take to help reduce the risk of e-scooter related injuries include:
Always wear an appropriate helmet that fits the rider’s head and is in good condition.
Read and follow the manufacturers warnings on age, height and weight restrictions.
Do not operate these devices with multiple riders, as this can make it more difficult to balance and can result in a fall.
Be familiar and follow all local regulations on e-device use including where these devices can be used, age requirements for operators and speed limits.
Do not modify any electric device to increase speed or bypass safety features.
Provide proper supervision to children, especially when they are around these devices.
Do not operate these devices under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or other substances.
Respect the ‘rules of the road’ by obeying traffic signals, speed limits and respecting other road users.
Interested in learning more? Additional e-scooter tips can be found on AboutKidsHealth: