The trend of e-scooters gaining popularity in Canada is accompanied by a concerning increase in injuries, particularly among younger individuals, as regulations struggle to keep pace. Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, an emergency physician at SickKids hospital in Toronto, and chair of the injury prevention committee for the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS), has observed a significant surge in various e-scooter-related injuries, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain trauma and fatalities.
Previously rare, severe injuries have become more frequent, prompting hospitals to be prepared for severe cases upon receiving e-scooter trauma alerts. At SickKids, e-scooter injury cases have escalated from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and 107 in 2025, with numbers expected to surpass previous years.
Similarly, the Montreal Children’s Hospital has witnessed a tenfold increase in e-scooter injuries since 2023, with children sustaining severe facial trauma, broken bones, and brain injuries in incidents not involving other vehicles. A survey conducted by the CPS revealed 10 fatalities, 12 ICU admissions, and 26 hospitalizations lasting over two days due to e-scooter accidents, with head injuries prevalent in half the cases.
Most severely affected are boys aged 10 to 15, with head injuries being among the most severe. A study in the Emergency Medicine Journal aligns with Canadian pediatricians’ observations, showing a rise in e-scooter cases resulting in head injuries, with a minimal percentage of riders wearing helmets.
A real-life account from London, Ont., recounts the harrowing experience of a 12-year-old boy who sustained a fractured skull while riding an e-scooter at high speed without a helmet. Despite a coma and critical care, he made a full recovery after weeks of treatment and rehabilitation.
Parents and experts are alarmed by the inadequate regulations surrounding e-scooters, often perceived as toys but capable of high speeds and severe injuries. The lack of clarity and inconsistent laws across provinces contribute to the rising number of incidents. Public education, enforcement, and clearer rules are deemed necessary to address the safety concerns associated with e-scooters.
While advocating for safer e-scooter practices, experts acknowledge the utility of these devices in urban settings and emphasize the need for a balanced approach to ensure both safety and convenience.
