The use of e-scooters is on the rise in Canada, but with this trend comes a concerning increase in injuries, especially among young people, according to pediatricians, emergency physicians, and experts. Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a pediatric emergency physician at SickKids hospital in Toronto and chair of the injury prevention committee for the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS), has observed a significant uptick in various injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain trauma and fatalities.

Previously rare, severe injuries from e-scooter accidents are now more common, with cases at SickKids hospital increasing from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and 107 in 2025. The numbers are projected to surpass those figures this year. Similarly, at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, e-scooter-related injuries have surged by tenfold since 2023, with children suffering severe facial injuries, broken bones, and brain trauma.

A recent CPS survey highlighted the concerning impact of e-scooter crashes, documenting 10 deaths, 12 ICU admissions, and 26 hospitalizations lasting over two days in the past year, with head injuries prevalent in half of the cases. The survey also revealed that the most severe injuries typically involve boys aged 10 to 15, many of whom were not wearing helmets.

In line with Canadian experiences, a study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal showcased a similar rise in e-scooter-related hospital cases in the UK, emphasizing head injuries as a common outcome, with a minimal percentage of injured riders wearing helmets.

One poignant example from London, Ontario, involves a 12-year-old boy who sustained a fractured skull and was in a coma following an e-scooter accident. The incident underscores the need for stricter regulations and increased awareness surrounding e-scooter safety, as many riders, especially children, are unaware of the risks associated with these devices.

Experts advocate for better enforcement of existing laws, clearer regulations, and enhanced public education to mitigate the growing number of e-scooter injuries and ensure the safety of riders, particularly youth. While recognizing the benefits of e-scooters in urban environments, experts stress the importance of developing measures to make these devices safer for riders.