Recent statistics have shed light on the significant dangers posed by e-scooters and e-bikes to young users across Canada. The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) reported that in 2025, ten children tragically lost their lives due to incidents involving these devices, with six fatalities occurring in Ontario alone. Moreover, the data reveals a concerning escalation in injuries, with 57 serious cases reported, including 12 admissions to intensive care and 26 instances requiring hospitalisation for over two days.
Rising Dangers Highlighted in Annual Report
The CPSP’s findings, released in a joint annual report by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society, represent a pivotal moment in understanding the national impact of e-scooter-related injuries among young people. The data was compiled through a survey of 800 healthcare professionals, underscoring the urgency of the situation. While this report does not compare figures to previous years, a prior release from the Canadian Institute for Health Information indicated a troubling rise in hospitalisations for children aged five to 17, jumping from 33 cases in 2022-2023 to 53 in 2023-2024.
Emergency room physicians and trauma specialists have increasingly witnessed the fallout from this surge in injuries. Many practitioners, like Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a paediatric emergency physician at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, have described the rise in e-scooter-related injuries as “essentially exponential.” He emphasised that the injuries extend beyond minor ailments; nearly half of the reported cases in the recent data involved head trauma, which can lead to severe complications such as brain bleeds and concussions.
The Disconnect in Regulations
The age limit for e-scooter riders varies across provinces, with the majority setting the minimum at 16 years. However, an alarming 80% of injuries reported involved children under this age limit. Dr. Rosenfield highlighted the critical need for coordinated policy efforts and public education to clarify existing laws surrounding these devices. The current regulatory landscape reflects a confusing patchwork across different regions.
In Ontario, for example, cities like Brampton and Mississauga permit e-scooter use for individuals aged 16 and older at speeds of up to 24 km/h. Conversely, Toronto has implemented a ban on e-scooters in public spaces, although enforcement appears lax, with many riders continuing to use the devices freely. In Alberta, regulations prohibit the use of privately owned e-scooters on roads or sidewalks, despite the availability of rental options in Edmonton and Calgary, which are restricted to designated paths.
Dr. Brian Rowe, an emergency care physician in Edmonton, voiced concerns about the apparent disconnect between municipal policies and the realities faced by healthcare providers. He urged for a cohesive provincial strategy that prioritises public safety over commercial interests.
The Impact of Youth Access and Safety Measures
In Quebec, recent pilot programmes have allowed riders as young as 14 to operate e-scooters at speeds reaching 25 km/h. Since the introduction of these programmes in 2023, the number of injuries at the Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma Centre has skyrocketed tenfold. Trauma director Deborah Friedman reported that a significant portion of the injuries involved children under 14, often resulting from falls rather than vehicle collisions.
Friedman has been advocating for an increase in the minimum riding age to 16, arguing that even this may be insufficient. She also emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of safety gear regulations, particularly concerning helmet usage, which is often inadequately adhered to by young riders.
The alarming frequency of severe injuries, sometimes reaching five cases in a single weekend at her facility, has raised concerns about the potential spike in incidents as children return from holiday, potentially increasing their use of e-scooters for commuting to school.
Why it Matters
The troubling data on e-scooter injuries among Canadian children highlights a pressing public health crisis that demands immediate action. As the popularity of these devices continues to grow, so too does the need for comprehensive safety regulations and educational initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable young users. It is imperative for policymakers to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, trauma centres, and community stakeholders to establish a unified approach that prioritises the health and safety of children. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to mitigate the risks associated with these high-speed devices and ensure safer environments for future generations.
