The number of children requiring hospital treatment for injuries sustained on electronic scooters in England has surged more than twentyfold since 2019, according to research by British doctors. The study, which analyzed data from three major children's hospitals, found that at least 477 children have been injured by e-scooters in the past six years, with dozens requiring surgery.
Researchers flagged a significant rise in injuries, particularly among children aged 10 and older who are increasingly using privately purchased e-scooters. These devices can be modified to reach speeds of up to 70 mph. Data collected by UK children's hospitals indicates that fewer than 2% of e-scooter users wear helmets.
The findings coincide with separate analysis revealing that 59 individuals have died in incidents involving e-scooters in Britain since 2019. One notable case involved 14-year-old Jacob Calland, who died after a friend riding an e-scooter in 'turbo mode' was involved in a collision.
E-Scooter Use and Regulations
Since July 2020, e-scooters have been available for rent to individuals over 16 in various UK cities, including London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham, as part of a government-backed trial. In these trial areas, rental e-scooters are permitted on cycle lanes and roads, but not on motorways or pavements, with a maximum speed limit of approximately 15.5 mph.
However, riding privately owned e-scooters on public pavements or roads remains illegal. Despite this, these devices have been sold by UK retailers since 2018, with some costing over £1,000. While sales are legal, vendors are obligated to inform customers about the legal restrictions on e-scooter use.
Study Details and Findings
The research analyzed injuries reported between January 2019 and December 2024 at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, and Sheffield Children's Hospital. In 2019, only five e-scooter-related injuries were recorded across the two hospitals for which data was available.
By 2024, this figure had increased to 149 injuries recorded at the three hospitals. The study's authors described e-scooter injuries as a "rising public health challenge" and suggested the national injury toll could be substantially higher than the nearly 500 cases identified in the studied hospitals.
Over the six-year period, the 477 injured children had an average age of 12. The majority of injuries occurred in Liverpool (213), followed by Sheffield (198) and Manchester (66). In Sheffield, where no rental trial scheme is in place, all injuries were attributed to private scooters. In Liverpool and Manchester, only three injuries were linked to rental scooters, indicating that most incidents involved privately owned devices.
The study found that two-thirds of injured children were boys, and 95% of injuries affected the rider. Common injuries included those to limbs, head, and face, with 33 children requiring surgery and 64 being admitted to the hospital. The researchers also noted that three-quarters of the affected children came from the most deprived areas.
The authors of the study urged for increased public and clinician awareness, clearer public health messaging, and a review of government legislation to curb injuries and fatalities. They also called for retailers to be responsible for relaying legal regulations to customers and for UK regulations to ensure safety in the design of private e-scooters.
A Department for Transport spokesperson acknowledged the findings as "concerning" and expressed sympathy for those injured. The department reiterated that private e-scooters are illegal for use in public spaces by those under 16 and announced plans to introduce new laws and consult on requirements such as helmet use to ensure safe and legal operation. The mother of Jacob Calland, Carly Calland, has launched an e-scooter awareness campaign following her son's death.