Toronto’s healthcare professionals are sounding the alarm about a grim new phenomenon. In fact, they have seen a considerable increase in e-scooter related injuries to children in recent years. In a sobering development, the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto found that they treated zero e-scooter injuries in 2020. By 2024, that number had increased to 46. In May at least, there was indeed a dramatic increase of 16 new cases.
According to Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a chief physician at the hospital, these injures marked the onset of serious health emergencies. He said that the “These are not little scratches. Just as concerning as the sharp increase in cases is the reported failure to wear helmets among most injured children. These adolescent patients are often in the 11-12 year age range. Their age alone should be cause for alarm about their safety and the current laws regulating safe usage of e-scooters.
Debbie Friedman, another doctor in the pediatric orthopedics department, wrote a key letter. She noted that more than half of the e-scooter crashes we’ve treated have involved riders under the legal age to use them. This alarming statistic is indicative of a larger trend of underage riders using e-scooters even when age restrictions are in place.
In neighbouring Ontario, there is no upper age limit to join the riders, but they need to be over 16. Further, all riders under 18 must wear a helmet. In neighbouring Quebec, young riders can begin as early as 14 years old. They do have to wear helmets and abide by strict speed and power limits. Meanwhile, in Quebec, e-scooter speed is capped at 25 kilometers per hour. Their power outputs are capped at 500 watts and they cannot weigh more than 36 kilograms.
Even with these laws in place, data shows that 52 percent of all e-scooter injuries are with drivers under the minimum age. Dr. Rosenfield emphasized the urgency of the situation: “By 2024, that number jumped to 46. We tracked a total of 16 cases just in the month of May this year. One area where this has been extremely clear this year is e-scooter injuries. They’ve already exceeded the combined total of all four previous Mays altogether!
Dr. Beno, a fellow physician who has noted similar trends, commented on the danger of e-scooter use for kids. “Just losing control at speed can lead to significant injury,” he stated, underscoring the dangers faced by young riders.
Health professionals, such as Brian Twaites, have raised concern over the stark rise in e-scooter related injuries. They are calling for increased public education and more aggressive prevention efforts. “Without a doubt what we’re seeing is an increase in e-scooter related accidents,” he said. The fact that this increase cuts across all age groups, Jason Emsley continued, shows that this is a major public health issue.
Debbie Friedman painted an even more dire picture. Thirty children under age 14 have been seriously injured in e-scooter crashes, as of this past April. She expressed her worry about the increasing number of severe injuries among young riders: “What’s more alarming is that 52 percent of all e-scooter injuries we’re seeing involve riders below the legal age.”
Friedman emphasized the responsibility of various stakeholders in addressing this issue, stating, “The right age, proper roads, and good judgment all matter. Parents, schools, municipalities – everyone has a role to play.” Her call for collaborative efforts is a strong recognition of the need for community engagement in stopping these tragedies from happening again.
Dr. Rosenfield reiterated the risks associated with e-scooter use among children, stating, “While we understand that for some families e-scooters are a key mode of transportation, they’re not a safe option for young children.” He did, however, encourage parents to rethink plans for children to use e-scooters without adequate protections in place.
