Rising e-scooter crashes injure dozens of children, doctors urge stricter rules

A recent analysis of three major UK trauma centres indicates a dramatic rise in e-scooter related injuries among minors, with 477 under-16 patients recorded between 2019 and 2024. Cases grew from under ten in 2019 to almost 150 in 2024, and the typical age of those hurt was 12, with the youngest victim aged nine. Helmet use was rare, and most injuries stemmed from riders falling off the device; about one-in-ten involved a collision with a vehicle, which tended to produce more severe outcomes such as head or facial trauma.

The review notes that private e-scooters are being used illegally on roads and pavements, despite the UK having no legal age threshold, speed limit, or safety-equipment requirement for them. Experts, including Det Con Steve Pennington of Greater Manchester Police, stress that e-scooters are not toys and call for legislation covering speed limiters and compulsory helmets. The Department for Transport has acknowledged the findings and indicated that new regulations are being consulted.