The popularity of e-scooters is on the rise in Canada, but so are the number of injuries, particularly among younger individuals, prompting concerns from medical professionals and experts. 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 increase in various injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain trauma and fatalities.
According to Rosenfield, the incidence of e-scooter-related injuries at SickKids Hospital escalated from 26 cases in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and 107 in 2025, with a projection of surpassing those numbers this year. A recent survey conducted by the CPS revealed alarming statistics, including 10 deaths, 12 ICU admissions, and 26 hospitalizations lasting over two days due to e-scooter accidents in Canada over a one-year period. Head injuries were prevalent in approximately half of the cases, with the majority of individuals involved not wearing helmets.
Similar trends have been observed globally, with a study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal showcasing a significant uptick in e-scooter-related hospital cases in the United Kingdom. The study, based on data from hospitals in Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield, reported a surge from fewer than 10 cases in 2019 to nearly 150 in 2024. Head injuries were identified as one of the most severe consequences, and only a small fraction of those injured were wearing helmets.
The real-life impact of these statistics was exemplified by Crystal Dunkley’s son, Shaun, who suffered a serious e-scooter accident in London, Ontario. Shaun, aged 12 at the time, collided with a raccoon while riding an e-scooter without a helmet, resulting in a fractured skull and a coma lasting over a week. Despite the grim prognosis, Shaun made a full recovery after receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital in London and a rehabilitation facility in Toronto.
Dr. Rosenfield emphasized the need for better regulation of e-scooters, highlighting the misconception of these devices as toys and the inadequacy of existing rules. He acknowledged the benefits of e-scooters in urban settings but stressed the importance of ensuring their safety and implementing clearer regulations. Despite varying regulations across provinces and cities, concerns persist regarding the enforcement of speed limits and age restrictions for e-scooter riders.
