The popularity of e-scooters is on the rise in Canada, but with it comes a warning from medical professionals about the increasing number of injuries, particularly among younger individuals. Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a pediatric emergency physician at SickKids hospital in Toronto, noted a significant surge in various types of injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain trauma and fatalities.
According to Rosenfield, the cases of e-scooter injuries at SickKids escalated from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and 107 in 2025, with projections indicating a further increase this year. Similarly, Dr. Laurie Plotnick from the Montreal Children’s Hospital reported a tenfold increase in e-scooter injuries since 2023, with children sustaining severe facial injuries, broken jaws, and head trauma.
A survey conducted by the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) revealed concerning statistics, documenting 10 fatalities, 12 intensive care unit admissions, and 26 hospitalizations lasting over two days in the previous year due to e-scooter accidents. Head injuries were prevalent in about half of these cases, with the majority of individuals not wearing helmets.
Notably, a study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal highlighted a surge in e-scooter-related hospital cases in the UK, with head injuries being among the most severe, and only a small percentage of those injured were wearing helmets. These findings align with the experiences observed by Canadian medical professionals.
One poignant example is the account of Crystal Dunkley’s son Shawn, who suffered a serious e-scooter accident in London, Ontario, hitting a raccoon at high speed without wearing a helmet. Shawn ended up in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit with a fractured skull, but fortunately, he made a full recovery after extensive medical care.
Medical experts emphasize the need for stricter regulations and public awareness regarding e-scooter safety. While e-scooters serve as a convenient mode of transportation, the lack of clear rules and enforcement contributes to the growing number of injuries. Educating parents, enforcing existing laws, and advocating for improved safety measures are essential steps to prevent further e-scooter accidents and protect vulnerable riders.