The increasing prevalence of e-scooters in Canada is accompanied by a rise in injuries, particularly among young individuals, as regulations struggle to keep up with the trend. Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a pediatric emergency physician at Toronto’s SickKids hospital, and chair of the Canadian Pediatric Society’s injury prevention committee, has observed a significant surge in e-scooter-related injuries, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain trauma and even fatalities.
Injuries from e-scooter accidents at SickKids escalated from 26 cases in 2023 to 46 in 2024, then to 107 in 2025, with a projected increase this year. Dr. Laurie Plotnick, leading the emergency trauma team at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, noted a tenfold rise in e-scooter injuries since 2023, including severe facial injuries and brain trauma among children not involving other vehicles.
A recent Canadian Pediatric Society survey revealed alarming statistics, reporting 10 deaths, 12 ICU admissions, and 26 hospitalizations lasting over two days due to e-scooter accidents from late 2025 to early 2026. Head injuries were prevalent in about half of the cases, with the majority of victims not wearing helmets.
The severity of injuries predominantly affects boys aged 10 to 15. A separate study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal aligns with Canadian observations, showing a substantial increase in e-scooter cases at U.K. hospitals, with head injuries being among the most severe, and very few individuals wearing helmets.
One case in London, Ontario, exemplifies the dangers of e-scooters, where a 12-year-old boy, Shawn Dunkley, sustained a fractured skull after colliding with a raccoon at a speed of 69 kilometers per hour. Shawn’s recovery after an extended hospital stay highlights the importance of wearing helmets while riding e-scooters.
Experts emphasize the necessity for clearer regulations and better enforcement to address the risks associated with e-scooter usage. Public education, parental awareness, and manufacturer accountability are crucial in mitigating injuries and promoting safety while utilizing e-scooters as a viable urban transportation option.