E-Scooter Surge: Kids Risk ER Visits Amidst Rising Popularity

Emergency department visits related to e-scooter use among children and youth in British Columbia have more than doubled in the past year, according to B.C. Children's Hospital. Between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, 81 visits occurred, compared to 37 the previous year. While provincial rules require riders to be at least 16, the majority of emergency visits, 54 percent, were for children aged 13 to 15.

Dr. Shelina Babul from the B.C. Injury Research and Prevention Unit noted a lack of parental understanding regarding e-scooter rules, emphasizing that speed and lack of helmet use are major factors. Injuries commonly include fractures (35%), bruises and abrasions (26%), and concussions (17%).

B.C.'s four-year pilot project allows e-scooters in 36 communities under specific rules: riders must be 16 or older, wear helmets, and use scooters not exceeding 25 km/h. Violators face fines and impoundment. Road safety advocates argue enforcement is lacking, and infrastructure needs improvement to protect riders.

Some local authorities are taking action. Burnaby has restricted e-scooters on many major roads and in parks, while the Fraser-Cascade School District banned them from school property. Police have also begun ticketing parents, as seen with a recent incident involving a 12-year-old in North Vancouver.

Tracking the full scope of e-scooter injuries is challenging, as emergency records prioritize patient care over statistical coding. However, health authorities like Fraser Health confirm a clear increase in injuries, with most involving falls rather than collisions. Parents are cautioned against assuming e-scooters are safe for children, comparing them to powerful devices like gas motorcycles.