The popularity of e-scooters is on the rise in Canada, but along with their increasing use comes a surge in injuries, particularly among younger individuals, as safety regulations struggle 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 observed a significant uptick in various types of injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain trauma and fatalities.
According to Rosenfield, the number of e-scooter injury cases at SickKids has escalated from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and a staggering 107 in 2025, with the trend continuing upward. Similarly, the Montreal Children’s Hospital has witnessed a tenfold increase in e-scooter-related injuries since 2023, as reported by Dr. Laurie Plotnick, head of the hospital’s emergency trauma team.
A recent survey conducted by the Canadian Pediatric Society revealed alarming statistics, including 10 deaths, 12 ICU admissions, and 26 hospitalizations lasting over two days due to e-scooter accidents in the past year. Head injuries were prevalent in approximately half of these cases, with the majority of individuals involved not wearing helmets.
The severity of injuries is particularly notable among boys aged 10 to 15, with a notable increase in e-scooter-related hospitalizations reported in various hospitals across Canada and globally. A study from the Emergency Medicine Journal also corroborates the escalating trend, citing a rise in e-scooter cases at hospitals in the UK, with head injuries being among the most severe, and a low percentage of riders wearing helmets.
One poignant example is the experience of Crystal Dunkley’s son, Shaun, who sustained a fractured skull and was admitted to the Pediatric Critical Care Unit after a high-speed e-scooter crash in London, Ontario. Despite the severity of his injuries, Shaun made a full recovery after weeks of intensive care and rehabilitation.
The lack of clear regulations and awareness about e-scooter safety measures poses a significant challenge, with many parents unaware of the rules governing e-scooter use in their respective provinces or cities. The CPS survey emphasizes the need for better public education, stricter enforcement of existing laws, and improved safety measures to prevent further injuries among young riders.
While recognizing the benefits of e-scooters in urban settings, experts like Rosenfield stress the importance of finding a balance between their utility and ensuring rider safety through effective regulation and education efforts.