As electric scooters gain popularity in Canada, medical professionals are expressing concerns about the increasing number of injuries, particularly among young individuals, as regulations struggle to keep up with the trend. 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 witnessed a significant surge in e-scooter-related injuries, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain trauma and fatalities.
Previously rare, severe injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents are now more frequent, according to Rosenfield. Cases of e-scooter injuries at SickKids escalated from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and 107 in 2025, with a projected increase for the current year. Similarly, at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, e-scooter injuries have surged by tenfold since 2023, leading to severe facial injuries, broken bones, and critical brain trauma among children.
A recent CPS survey revealed alarming statistics, documenting ten fatalities, twelve ICU admissions, and twenty-six hospitalizations lasting over two days due to e-scooter crashes in the past year. Head injuries were prevalent in half of the cases, with the majority of victims not wearing helmets. The most severe injuries typically affected boys aged 10 to 15 years.
In line with Canadian data, a study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal highlighted a significant rise in e-scooter-related hospital cases in the UK, with head injuries being a common consequence and minimal helmet usage among injured individuals. The lack of protective gear exacerbates the severity of injuries in e-scooter accidents.
Real-life accounts further emphasize the gravity of e-scooter accidents. Crystal Dunkley’s son, Shawn, suffered a fractured skull and was in a coma for over a week after colliding with a raccoon while riding an e-scooter at high speed. Shawn’s recovery journey underscores the importance of wearing helmets while using e-scooters to prevent life-altering injuries.
Medical professionals stress the need for clearer regulations and increased awareness among parents and riders regarding e-scooter safety. The current patchwork of regulations across provinces and territories, coupled with a lack of understanding among younger riders about road rules, contributes to the rising number of e-scooter injuries. Public education, consistent enforcement of laws, and enhanced safety measures are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with e-scooter use.
While advocating for improved safety measures, experts acknowledge the benefits of e-scooters in urban mobility. Dr. Rosenfield emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between e-scooter usage and safety to ensure their integration as a sustainable mode of transportation in urban environments.