E-scooter injuries are on the rise in Canada, with experts warning of a surge in severe incidents, particularly among younger individuals, as regulations struggle to keep up. 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 increase in e-scooter-related injuries, ranging from minor cuts to serious brain trauma and fatalities.
According to Rosenfield, e-scooter injury cases at SickKids escalated from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 and further spiked to 107 in 2025. The trend indicates a likelihood of surpassing previous numbers in the current year. Dr. Laurie Plotnick, who leads the emergency trauma team at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, reported a tenfold increase in e-scooter injuries since 2023, with children sustaining severe facial injuries, broken jaws, and skull fractures.
A recent survey conducted by the CPS revealed alarming statistics, documenting 10 fatalities, 12 intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and 26 hospitalizations lasting over two days due to e-scooter accidents within a year. Approximately half of the cases involved head injuries, and most individuals were not wearing helmets at the time of the incidents.
Data from the United Kingdom mirrors the situation in Canada, showing a surge in e-scooter-related hospital cases over the years, with head injuries being prevalent, and a low percentage of riders wearing helmets. These findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, enforcement of regulations, and enhanced safety measures to curb the escalating risks associated with e-scooter usage.
The experiences of families like Crystal Dunkley’s in London, Ontario, emphasize the devastating impact of e-scooter accidents. Dunkley’s son Shawn, aged 12, suffered a fractured skull and was in a coma for over a week following a high-speed collision with a raccoon while riding an e-scooter without a helmet. Shawn’s recovery journey underscores the critical importance of safety precautions, including the mandatory use of helmets to prevent life-altering injuries.
Experts emphasize the misconception that e-scooters are mere toys, highlighting their potential dangers, especially when operated at high speeds without protective gear. The lack of clear regulations and varying laws across provinces contribute to the growing number of e-scooter accidents, necessitating comprehensive measures such as public education, enforcement of existing laws, and collaboration with manufacturers to enhance safety standards. Despite the risks, experts acknowledge the benefits of e-scooters in urban settings but stress the importance of ensuring their safe and responsible use through effective regulations and public awareness campaigns.