500 children hurt by e-scooters since 2019
There are calls for a review of legislation and clearer messaging around e-scooters.
Last updated 2 hours ago
New analysis has found almost 500 children in England have been hurt by e-scooters since 2019.
When it comes to those harmed the average age of youngsters injured was 12, and fewer than 2% were wearing helmets at the time of the incidents.
The figures have led to urgent calls for clearer public health messaging and a review of government legislation to prevent further injuries and deaths, researchers said.
They highlighted that 59 deaths have been reported in the UK involving e-scooters, 10 of which were people under the age of 18.
The study
It is illegal to use privately owned e-scooters in public, although they are available to rent as part of Government pilots in certain cities.
The study examined data from Liverpool and Manchester, which have rental programmes, and Sheffield, which does not.
Between January 2019 and December 2024, three children’s trauma centres recorded 477 patients with e-scooter injuries.
Almost three quarters (74%) lived in the most deprived areas.
The average age of the injured children was 12, and half were aged between 10 and 13.
Most injuries, 95%, were sustained by the rider, and 80% of incidents involved private e-scooters.
Just 2.5% of injuries happened on private land.
The most common injuries were to the arms and legs, but almost a quarter (24.1%) were head injuries.
One in 10 head injuries were severe enough to require scans, hospital admission and surgery in some cases.
Of the most seriously injured children, almost half (48%) were hurt after colliding with a car or stationary object.
Less than 2% injured were wearing a helmet
Writing in the Emergency Medicine Journal, researchers said: “E-scooter related injuries are rising.
“Limb, head and facial injuries were most common, with head injuries being most severe, this has serious life-changing implications for families and significant impact on healthcare resources.
“There is a need for greater public awareness, clear public health messaging and review of government legislation to prevent further injuries and deaths.”
Just 1.8% of youngsters injured in e-scooter incidents were wearing a helmet, according to the analysis.
More than half of cases happened on public land such as roads, and on footpaths or in parks.
Researchers added: “Retailers should have a responsibility to pass on the legal regulations to their customers as well as UK regulations to ensure safety in the design of private e-scooters.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “These are concerning findings, and our thoughts are with anyone who has been injured on our roads.
“It is illegal for private e-scooters to be used on roads, pavements or in other public spaces, including by under 16s, and we’re bringing forward new laws to make their use safe and legal, including consulting on requirements like helmets.”