The use of e-scooters is becoming more prevalent in Canada, but with this rise comes a corresponding increase in injuries, particularly among young individuals, as cautioned by pediatricians, emergency physicians, and other experts. 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 observed a significant surge in various types of injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents, ranging from minor cuts to severe brain injuries and fatalities.
According to Rosenfield, the number of e-scooter injury cases at SickKids escalated from 26 in 2023 to 46 in 2024, and notably, 107 in 2025. This upward trend is expected to continue this year. Similarly, at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Dr. Laurie Plotnick, who leads the emergency trauma team, noted a tenfold increase in e-scooter injuries since 2023, with children sustaining severe facial injuries, broken jaws, and other serious injuries, including brain trauma, particularly in cases where no other motor vehicles were involved.
A recent survey by the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) highlighted the concerning trend of rising e-scooter-related injuries, with documented cases of deaths, ICU admissions, and hospitalizations lasting over two days. Notably, head injuries were prevalent in about half of these cases, with a common factor being the absence of helmets.
The severity of injuries is more pronounced among boys aged 10 to 15 years, according to Rosenfield. The lack of helmets and high speeds contribute significantly to the severity of e-scooter accidents, as highlighted by the experiences shared by Canadian families. Crystal Dunkley recounted her son Shawn’s harrowing ordeal after a high-speed e-scooter crash, emphasizing the critical importance of wearing helmets to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
The existing regulatory framework for e-scooters in Canada is deemed inadequate, with rules varying across provinces and territories, leading to confusion and non-compliance. Ensuring public awareness, educating parents, advocating for clearer regulations, and enforcing existing laws are crucial steps to address the growing safety concerns associated with e-scooter usage. While recognizing the utility of e-scooters in urban settings, experts emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures to mitigate the escalating risks posed by these popular modes of transportation.