23 Examining the rising trend of paediatric e-scooter injuries: A retrospective study

Background The rise of electric scooters (e-scooters) has altered urban transportation by providing an alternative to traditional vehicles. The increased use of these devices globally has raised concerns about their safety, particularly for paediatric populations. Young users are especially at risk of injuries from e-scooters due to factors such as smaller body size, less developed motor skills, and a reduced ability to safely handle these devices. Objectives This study investigates the frequency and nature of e-scooter-related injuries among paediatric patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary paediatric hospital. Design/Methods Retrospective descriptive patient data was collected using the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) database, an injury and poisoning surveillance system. ED visits resulting from e-scooter usage between 2020 and 2024 were identified using the search terms 'e-scooter,' 'electric scooter,' 'electric,' and 'scooter.' Key variables of interest included patient demographics (age and sex), types of injuries sustained, helmet use, time of injury, location, morbidity, and mortality. Results From 2020 to 2024, the frequency of reported yearly ED visits associated with e-scooter usage has risen, with 1 case in 2020, 13 cases in 2021, 27 cases in 2022, 25 cases in 2023, and 46 cases in 2024—an 84.0% increase from the previous year. The mean age of patients was 12.0 ± 3.4 years, and 75.0% of patients were male (n=84). Notably, among patients with reported helmet usage, 78.5% were not wearing helmets (n=62). Furthermore, 25.9% of the patients were admitted to the hospital due to the severity of their injuries (n=29). Head and facial injuries accounted for 36.6% of all injuries (n=75). Among these, facial lacerations were the most common, representing 21.3% (n=16), followed by concussions, which comprised 18.7% (n=14). Fractures constituted 33.7% of all injuries (n=69), with forearm and wrist fractures making up 36.2% of all fractures (n=25). There were no fatalities. Conclusion Our findings align with global trends, highlighting the growing burden of preventable paediatric e-scooter injuries. Given that our province is in the midst of evaluating an e-scooter pilot program, this study provides valuable insights to inform future e-scooter regulations. By examining the injury patterns caused by these devices, this study aims to contribute to improved safety measures for young e-scooter users.