A new review indicates a growing number of children are sustaining injuries from e-scooters, according to three trauma centres. Hospitals in Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield have collectively treated 477 individuals under the age of 16 for e-scooter-related incidents.
The overall number of cases at these centres has seen a significant increase, rising from fewer than 10 in 2019 to nearly 150 in 2024. The average age of those injured was 12, with the youngest casualty being 9 years old. Few of the injured children were reportedly wearing helmets.
Emergency department doctors are advocating for new laws to better safeguard children. Currently, the UK has no legal age restriction, speed limit, or safety equipment requirement for privately owned e-scooters. Private e-scooters are only permitted for use on private land with the owner's permission, yet most incidents involved these on public roads, pavements, or footpaths.
The Department for Transport acknowledges these findings as concerning and states it is bringing forward new laws to make e-scooter use safe and legal, including consulting on requirements such as helmets.