Alder Hey doctors warn families as child e-scooter injuries soar

Doctors at Alder Hey are urging families to be aware of the risks of e-scooters after new research revealed almost 500 children have been treated for injuries linked to the devices.

The study examined e-scooter injuries among children treated at three of England’s major children’s trauma centres, including Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, between January 2019 and December 2024.

Researchers identified 477 children who attended hospital following an e-scooter-related injury, with the number of cases rising dramatically from fewer than 10 in 2019 to almost 150 in 2024.

The research, published in the Emergency Medicine Journal, also involved Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

The average age of the children injured was 12, with half aged between 10 and 13. Almost two-thirds, 64.5%, were boys.

Doctors also found that fewer than 2% of riders were reported to have been wearing a helmet when they were injured.

Most incidents involved the person riding the e-scooter, accounting for 95% of injuries, while around 80% involved privately owned e-scooters.

Falls were responsible for three-quarters of injuries, while almost 12% followed a collision with another vehicle. Around 5% of cases involved pedestrians who had been struck by an e-scooter.

More than half of the incidents happened on public land, including roads, pavements and parks.

Privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads, pavements or in public spaces such as parks in the UK. They can only legally be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Official rental e-scooters operate under separate rules in government trial areas, with riders required to hold an appropriate driving licence.

Injuries to children’s arms and legs were the most common, but researchers also found that almost one in four suffered a head injury and nearly one in five sustained facial injuries.

Around one in ten of the head injuries recorded was serious, with children requiring further imaging, hospital admission and, in some cases, surgery.

The impact on hospital services was also significant, with almost 65% of children requiring medical imaging, more than 13% admitted to hospital and around 7% needing surgery.

Researchers also found a significant link with deprivation, with 74% of the children injured living in areas experiencing the greatest levels of social and economic disadvantage.

The study did not investigate why children living in more deprived communities were disproportionately represented, but researchers say the findings underline the importance of clear public health information and education around e-scooter safety.

Clinicians say the sharp increase in injuries represents an emerging public health challenge and are calling for greater awareness, stronger enforcement and a review of legislation surrounding e-scooters.

Dr Charlotte Durand, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said:

“We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of children arriving in our Emergency Department with injuries related to e-scooters, many of which could have been prevented. While some injuries are relatively minor, others involve serious head trauma, broken bones and require surgery or admission to hospital.

“What is particularly concerning is that the average age of the children injured is just 12 years old, with very few wearing helmets and most of these on private e-scooters. These findings highlight the need for clearer public awareness around the law, better education about the risks of e-scooters.”

Caroline Rushmer, Children’s Major Trauma Coordinator at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, said:

“This research is really important as it helps raise awareness of the dangers of e-scooters. We’ve seen families in our hospital deal with the grief and trauma that these accidents can bring. These are not toys, they’re dangerous and their high-speed makes them unsuitable for children and young people.

“So, we hope with this research shining a light on the impact we’re seeing in our children’s emergency departments it will raise awareness of their dangers and help parents and young people take a moment to think before they get one.”

Dr Lisa Sabir, Emergency Medicine doctor and researcher at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Behind every one of these statistics is a child and a family who face a potentially distressing and unexpected trip to hospital. We know that families want to keep their children safe, and don’t want to come to our Emergency Department with these injuries, but sadly we are seeing more.

“We need to make it easier for children, young people and their families to understand where e-scooters can and cannot be used, and the risks involved. Clearer, consistent information, alongside appropriate legislation, road safety measures and greater use of helmets, could help families make informed decisions and, ultimately, prevent children from being injured.”

The study states that schools, local authorities, youth organisations and road safety campaigns have an important role in educating young people about the risks of e-scooter use.