The popularity of e-scooters is on the rise in Canada, but along with their increasing use comes a concerning trend of rising injuries, particularly among younger individuals. Experts such as Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a pediatric emergency physician at SickKids hospital in Toronto, and chair of the Canadian Pediatric Society’s injury prevention committee, have observed a significant surge in various types of injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents.
Dr. Rosenfield noted a substantial increase in e-scooter injury cases at SickKids hospital, with numbers rising from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and 107 in 2025, and a projection for even higher numbers this year. Similarly, Dr. Laurie Plotnick from the Montreal Children’s Hospital reported a tenfold increase in e-scooter injuries since 2023.
A recent survey conducted by the Canadian Pediatric Society revealed alarming statistics, including 10 deaths, 12 ICU admissions, and 26 hospitalizations exceeding two days due to e-scooter crashes in the past year. Head injuries were prevalent in nearly 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 years old, with many cases involving severe facial injuries, broken bones, and even brain trauma. A study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal highlighted a similar trend in the UK, emphasizing the importance of helmet use and the need for improved safety regulations.
One poignant example is the experience of Crystal Dunkley’s son in London, Ont., who sustained a fractured skull and was in a coma for over a week following an e-scooter accident. Despite his recovery, Crystal now advocates for helmet use and emphasizes the need for stricter regulations and better public education on e-scooter safety.
Experts stress the urgency of addressing the lack of clear regulations and enforcement surrounding e-scooter use, especially among young riders who may be less aware of road rules. While recognizing the benefits of e-scooters in urban environments, there is a growing call for measures to enhance safety and prevent further injuries among riders, particularly children and teenagers.