In Canada, the increasing popularity of e-scooters has led to a concerning rise in injuries, particularly affecting younger individuals, according to pediatricians, emergency physicians, and experts. Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a pediatric emergency physician at SickKids hospital in Toronto and head of the injury prevention committee for the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS), noted 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 have now become more common, with e-scooter injury cases at SickKids escalating from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and 107 in 2025. Dr. Rosenfield anticipates this year’s numbers to surpass previous records. Similarly, at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, e-scooter injury cases have surged tenfold since 2023, with children sustaining severe facial injuries, broken jaws, and brain trauma in incidents not involving other vehicles.
A recent CPS survey highlighted the severity of e-scooter accidents, reporting 10 deaths, 12 ICU admissions, and 26 hospitalizations lasting over two days due to crashes. Head injuries were prevalent in about half of the cases, with most individuals not wearing helmets. The most severe injuries predominantly affected boys aged 10 to 15.
Studies aligning with Canadian observations indicate a rise in e-scooter-related hospital cases in the UK, with head injuries being among the most severe, and a low percentage of injured individuals wearing helmets.
One such case involved Shawn Dunkley, a 12-year-old in London, Ontario, who suffered a fractured skull and brain bleed following an e-scooter crash at high speed. Despite a grim prognosis, Shawn made a full recovery after extensive treatment.
Dr. Rosenfield emphasized the non-toy nature of e-scooters, highlighting their speed capabilities and the lack of clear regulations. The CPS survey also pointed out the confusion surrounding rules, varying across provinces and territories and contributing to the lack of awareness among parents and riders.
Efforts are underway to improve safety measures, including public education, clearer product messaging, and better enforcement of existing laws. While acknowledging the benefits of e-scooters in urban settings, Dr. Rosenfield emphasized the need to prioritize safety measures to mitigate the growing trend of severe e-scooter injuries.