Kids Face Devastating E-Scooter Injuries: Doctors Issue Urgent Warning

Doctors across Alberta are expressing serious concern over a growing epidemic of e-scooter related injuries, with a particularly alarming spike in incidents involving children. Emergency and urgent care visits for e-scooter related incidents have seen a substantial rise across the province. The most dramatic increase has been observed at Alberta's children's hospitals, where e-scooter injuries more than tripled between the 2022-23 fiscal year and the first 11 months of 2025-26. Physicians are treating severe injuries, including fractures, cuts, and serious head trauma, with some injuries resulting in lifelong disabilities. Facial 'smash' injuries from collisions with obstacles are also becoming more common.

Medical professionals emphasize that many e-scooter users, especially minors, are not aware of the inherent risks. Doubling up on scooters, a common practice, can turn a child into an 'airbag,' leading to severe consequences for their developing bodies. Dr. Brian Rowe's roadside surveys in Edmonton revealed widespread risky behavior, including a lack of helmet use and a high incidence of dual ridership. The data is particularly concerning given that it is technically illegal for children under 18 to operate shared e-scooters in cities like Calgary and Edmonton. Doctors are urging adherence to safety recommendations, such as riding alone, wearing helmets, and avoiding impairment, to mitigate these severe and often life-altering injuries.