Home / Disasters and Accidents / Belfast Doctor Warns of E-Scooter 'Epidemic' Among Kids
Belfast Doctor Warns of E-Scooter 'Epidemic' Among Kids
16 Jul
Summary
- Over 120 children treated for e-scooter injuries in Belfast Trust.
- Most injured children were not wearing helmets; many were males.
- Injuries range from fractures and head trauma to bystander incidents.
More than 120 children within the Belfast Trust area have received medical attention for injuries sustained from electric scooters and e-bikes over the last 12 months. A paediatric emergency medicine consultant described the situation as a "real epidemic," warning of potential life-changing and life-threatening injuries.
Approximately 93 children were treated for e-scooter related incidents, with over a quarter suffering fractures or head injuries requiring CT scans. Alarmingly, fewer than 10% of these young patients were wearing helmets. The majority of those injured are males between 10 and 12 years old.
The inappropriate use of e-scooters in public spaces poses a significant risk to both riders and the public. Police have confirmed that riding privately-owned e-scooters on roads and in public areas is illegal without proper taxation, insurance, lighting, and a license.
Healthcare professionals are urging parents to take responsibility, emphasizing that children should only use these vehicles on private land. Most injured children were riding illegally, highlighting a major safety concern for the community.
