E-scooter injuries rose 32% in Canada last year, with experts warning of serious risks and calling for stricter safety measures and awareness.
Injury Spike Signals Rising Danger
Hospitalizations linked to scooter and e-scooter use across Canada have climbed significantly, according to newly released national health data. Between April 2023 and March 2024, nearly 1,000 Canadians were hospitalized for related injuries—a sharp rise from 810 the previous year.
Motorized Scooters Lead the Climb
Of the total injuries, 498 cases involved motorized e-scooters—marking a 32% increase from the previous 12-month period. Health experts say the combination of speed, inexperience, and lack of regulation is fueling the uptick.
Medical Experts Warn of Severe Trauma
Emergency physicians nationwide report a growing number of serious injuries—ranging from facial fractures and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries requiring intensive care. Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a pediatric emergency physician, said some cases require multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation.
Children and Teens Most Affected
Hospitals are seeing a surge in injuries among teenagers, especially boys, many of whom were not wearing helmets. Younger children riding as passengers are also increasingly affected. At Toronto’s SickKids hospital, e-scooter injuries rose from just one in 2020 to 46 in 2024. In May 2024 alone, the hospital recorded 16 cases, up from fewer than three in previous years.
Speed, Instability, and Inexperience
E-scooters, capable of reaching up to 40 km/h, pose risks due to their small wheels and high acceleration, making them unstable for inexperienced riders. “They’re not toys,” Rosenfield emphasized, warning parents against buying them for children who lack the cognitive and physical maturity to operate them safely.
Advocates Call for Regulation and Education
Injury prevention advocates are calling for better enforcement, public awareness, and mandatory helmet laws. Pamela Fuselli, CEO of Parachute, a national injury prevention organization, urged users to learn how to ride safely and respect traffic laws. She noted that rules vary widely across provinces and cities, complicating enforcement efforts.