An emergency room physician in Nova Scotia suggests that the province should consider increasing the minimum age for e-scooter and e-bike riders beyond 14, based on injury data collected at hospitals in the Halifax area this summer. Dr. Kirstin Weerdenburg, a pediatric emergency doctor at the IWK Health Centre, has been compiling injury information from various emergency departments since late May, focusing on incidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes. Among the 80 patients studied, including 66 under the age of 16, 20 required trauma team intervention, indicating the severity of injuries and the need for greater caution due to the speeds involved.
The study revealed that the median age of patients at the IWK was 13, with the youngest being eight years old. As the province prepares to prohibit children under 14 from riding electric bikes, Dr. Weerdenburg, considering the demographics of the injured riders in her research, advocates for stricter regulations. She suggests a higher minimum age limit given the injury trends observed, emphasizing the importance of enhancing safety measures for the population.
Most injuries documented in the Halifax study resulted from riders falling off e-scooters or e-bikes rather than collisions. The head and face were the most frequently injured areas, with injuries ranging from head trauma to cuts and scrapes. Additionally, arm and leg fractures were common, often more severe than requiring a simple cast. A majority of the injured riders were males, predominantly on the road, using personal devices without proper helmet use.
Dr. Weerdenburg advises parents to prioritize their child’s safety by discouraging e-scooter and e-bike use, emphasizing the necessity of helmets, appropriate footwear, and single-rider usage. She acknowledges that the data may not capture all incidents as some individuals may avoid seeking emergency care. The study will continue through the winter to gather more comprehensive information. Another recent report highlighted severe injuries and fatalities among pediatric patients nationwide due to various electric devices.
Law enforcement in Halifax can issue fines to minors under 14 riding e-scooters, aiming to educate youths on safety measures and legal compliance. The effort to promote outdoor activity while ensuring safety will persist in the upcoming school year.