Increase in e-scooter-related injuries reported among children and adults, as per data and medical professionals
## A Rising Tide of E-Scooter Injuries in Canada
E-scooter injuries are on the rise across Canada, with an alarming increase in hospitalizations among children and adults. The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reports a 61% increase in hospitalizations for children aged 5 to 17 from 2022–23 to 2023–24, while hospitalizations for adults aged 18–64 saw a 22% increase for men and a 60% increase for women in the same period [1].
The majority of e-scooter-related hospitalizations are reported in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia [1]. Emergency physicians have observed a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and lacerations to traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and open fractures requiring surgical intervention [1]. Tragically, some incidents have been catastrophic, including a reported death in 2023 involving a 13-year-old boy [1].
## Safety Measures and Regulatory Landscape
Canadian safety measures for e-scooters vary by municipality, with some provinces and cities mandating helmet use, setting age restrictions, speed limits, and prohibiting riding on sidewalks [2]. However, the rapid adoption of e-scooters has outpaced the development of unified national standards, leaving local governments struggling to balance safety requirements and the demand for convenient, eco-friendly transportation options [2].
## Helmet Usage and Trends
Helmet usage is crucial for reducing the severity of head injuries, yet compliance remains inconsistent. Emergency physicians and paediatricians report seeing many injured patients who were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident [1]. This issue is particularly prevalent among adolescents and young adults, who are less likely to use helmets compared to younger children, who are often supervised by helmet-wearing parents [1].
## Expert Recommendations
Experts recommend strengthening enforcement of helmet laws and age restrictions, developing a unified national regulatory framework, expanding public education campaigns, and continuing to monitor injury trends [3]. Among cases where the information is available, 80% of the riders who end up in the ER aren't wearing helmets [3].
E-scooters are classified as motor vehicles, according to Pamela Fuselli [2]. As such, it is essential to regulate them as such, ensuring that they are sold with appropriate safety features and that manufacturers adhere to specific technical standards.
In conclusion, e-scooter injuries—especially those involving traumatic brain and orthopaedic trauma—are escalating in Canada, with children and young adults at particular risk [1][3]. Improved helmet compliance, stronger regulations, and targeted public education are urgently needed to curb the rising tide of e-scooter-related injuries [1].
- The rise in e-scooter injuries in Canada has led to a concerning increase in hospitalizations among both children and adults.
- The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reported a 61% increase in hospitalizations for children aged 5 to 17 from 2022–23 to 2023–24.
- Hospitalizations for adults aged 18–64 saw a 22% increase for men and a 60% increase for women in the same period.
- Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia account for the majority of e-scooter-related hospitalizations.
- Emergency physicians have observed a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and lacerations to traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and open fractures requiring surgical intervention.
- Tragically, some incidents have been catastrophic, including a reported death in 2023 involving a 13-year-old boy.
- Canadian safety measures for e-scooters vary by municipality, but a unified national standard is yet to be developed.
- Some provinces and cities mandate helmet use, set age restrictions, speed limits, and prohibit riding on sidewalks.
- The rapid adoption of e-scooters has outpaced the development of national standards, leaving local governments struggling to balance safety requirements and demand.
- Helmet usage is crucial for reducing the severity of head injuries, but compliance remains inconsistent.
- Emergency physicians and paediatricians report seeing many injured patients who were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
- This issue is particularly prevalent among adolescents and young adults.
- Experts urge strengthening enforcement of helmet laws and age restrictions, developing a unified national regulatory framework, expanding public education campaigns, and monitoring injury trends.
- Among cases where the information is available, 80% of the riders who end up in the ER aren't wearing helmets.
- E-scooters are classified as motor vehicles, according to Pamela Fuselli.
- Regulating e-scooters as motor vehicles ensures that they are sold with appropriate safety features and that manufacturers adhere to specific technical standards.
- Improved helmet compliance, stronger regulations, and targeted public education are urgently needed to curb the rising tide of e-scooter-related injuries.
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