The use of e-scooters is becoming more common in Canada, but experts are concerned about the increasing number of injuries, particularly among younger individuals. 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 witnessed a significant surge in e-scooter-related injuries, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain trauma and fatalities.
According to Rosenfield, e-scooter injury cases at SickKids have escalated from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and 107 in 2025, with projections indicating a further increase this year. Similarly, at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, e-scooter injuries have surged tenfold since 2023, leading to severe facial injuries, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries among children.
A recent CPS survey highlighted alarming statistics, including 10 deaths, 12 ICU admissions, and 26 hospitalizations lasting over two days due to e-scooter accidents in Canada over the past year. Head injuries were prevalent in approximately half of these cases, with the majority of victims not wearing helmets.
A study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal revealed a parallel trend in the U.K., with e-scooter-related hospital cases soaring from under 10 in 2019 to nearly 150 in 2024. Head injuries were predominant, and less than two percent of the injured individuals were helmeted.
These concerning trends are reflected in personal accounts, such as that of Shawn Dunkley from London, Ontario, who sustained a fractured skull and brain bleed after a high-speed e-scooter collision. Despite a dire prognosis, Shawn made a full recovery after extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Dr. Rosenfield emphasized the misleading perception of e-scooters as toys, emphasizing their potential dangers, especially for inexperienced riders. The CPS survey underscored the lack of clarity in regulations and the patchwork of rules across provinces, contributing to the rising incidence of accidents.
Calls for public education, clearer regulations, and enhanced enforcement to address e-scooter safety concerns have been echoed by healthcare professionals. While recognizing the benefits of e-scooters in urban settings, experts stress the urgent need to prioritize safety measures to mitigate the growing risks associated with their use.
