As the use of e-scooters continues to grow in popularity throughout Canada, medical professionals and experts are raising concerns about the increasing number of injuries, particularly among younger individuals, with regulations struggling to keep up.
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 various types of injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain trauma and fatalities.
Previously rare, severe injuries were now becoming more common, according to Rosenfield, with a noticeable uptick in e-scooter-related cases at SickKids, increasing from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and 107 in 2025. The trend suggests that the numbers for the current year are likely to exceed previous records.
At the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Dr. Laurie Plotnick, who leads the emergency trauma team, reported a tenfold increase in e-scooter injuries since 2023. Children, primarily involved in accidents not including other vehicles, have sustained serious facial injuries, broken jaws, and fractures around the eye area, along with severe brain trauma.
A recent CPS survey revealed alarming statistics, with 10 fatalities, 12 ICU admissions, and 26 hospital stays over two days due to e-scooter crashes in the past year. Head injuries were prevalent in approximately half of the cases, with the majority of individuals not wearing helmets.
The most severe injuries typically affected boys aged between 10 and 15, highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic to e-scooter accidents. A study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal echoed these findings, showing a substantial rise in e-scooter-related hospitalizations in the U.K., with head injuries being a common occurrence and helmet usage minimal.
The personal experience of a Canadian family in London, Ontario, underscores the dangers associated with e-scooters. Crystal Dunkley’s son Shawn, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered a fractured skull and was admitted to the Pediatric Critical Care Unit after colliding with a raccoon at high speed. Shawn, after a challenging recovery process, now advocates for helmet use among e-scooter riders.
Medical experts emphasize the nonchalant attitude towards e-scooter safety, noting that these devices are often perceived as toys despite their high speeds and potential risks. The lack of clear regulations and varying laws across provinces contribute to the increasing number of e-scooter injuries, with many parents unaware of the age restrictions and safety guidelines in place.
Efforts to enhance public awareness, educate parents, and demand clearer safety guidelines from manufacturers are crucial to addressing the e-scooter safety crisis. While advocating for responsible e-scooter use, experts highlight the need for improved enforcement and better safety measures to prevent further injuries.