CHEO reports a sharp rise in e-scooter injuries as Ottawa police target speeding, double-riding and underage use.
E-Scooter Injuries Nearly Triple
Ottawa’s children’s hospital is seeing a sharp rise in e-scooter injuries.
From July 2025 to June 2026, CHEO recorded 93 emergency visits linked to e-scooter injuries. A year earlier, there were 34 visits.
That means the number of cases nearly tripled in just one year.
The increase comes as Ottawa police step up enforcement against unsafe e-scooter use across the city.
Police Target Unsafe Riding
Ottawa police say they are focusing on several violations. These include speeding, double-riding and underage use.
In Ontario, riders must be at least 16 years old to use an e-scooter. Also, riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
Still, police say they are seeing many younger children on the devices.
“I’m seeing a lot more kids under the age of 16 using these e-scooters,” said Sgt. Josh Callaghan of the Ottawa Police Service road safety unit.
He also said he would not let his own young children ride one.
Some Injuries Can Be Severe
The danger can go far beyond minor cuts and bruises.
Joshua Ramjist, a pediatric general surgeon and trauma program co-medical director at Toronto’s SickKids, said his hospital has also seen a rise in e-scooter injuries.
He said riders can suffer brain injuries, skull fractures, internal bleeding and major broken bones. In some cases, multiple organs can be injured.
Ramjist said these injuries can look more like those from car crashes than typical bicycle accidents.
Speeding Adds to the Risk
Speed is another major concern.
Police say one e-scooter was clocked at 52 km/h. That is more than twice Ontario’s legal speed limit of 24 km/h.
According to Callaghan, privately owned e-scooters are often involved in these violations. Rental scooters, however, are speed-limited to meet legal requirements.
Police Campaign Runs Through the Year
Ottawa’s enforcement campaign began at the start of summer. It will continue through the rest of 2026.
Meanwhile, health experts are urging families to treat e-scooters as motor vehicles, not toys.
The sharp rise in emergency visits is a clear warning. As more young people use e-scooters, safe riding, age rules and helmets could play an important role in preventing serious injuries.
