Research has revealed a significant increase in the number of children involved in e-scooter crashes in recent years, with some as young as nine sustaining injuries. A review of injuries among under-16s was conducted at Alder Hey in Liverpool, and Sheffield and Royal Manchester children’s hospitals, covering the period from January 2019 to December 2024.
The study found a total of 477 e-scooter injuries, with a notable rise in numbers since 2019. The average age of those injured was 12, and nearly 65% were male. The most frequent injuries were to limbs, followed by head and facial injuries. Fewer than 2% of patients were wearing a helmet.
More than 80% of the injuries were sustained on private e-scooters, which are legally restricted to private land. However, most accidents occurred on public land, roads, and parks. Researchers have called for policymakers to regulate private e-scooters, suggesting measures such as speed limiters or mandatory helmet use.
A Department for Transport spokesperson acknowledged the findings as concerning and stated that new laws are being developed to make e-scooter use safe and legal, including a consultation on requirements like helmets. It is currently illegal for private e-scooters to be used on public roads, pavements, or other public spaces, including by under-16s.