Recent data from the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program underscores the significant dangers that e-scooters and e-bikes pose to children in Canada. In 2025, a total of 10 children lost their lives while using these devices, with six fatalities occurring in Ontario alone. Additionally, there were 12 cases of children being admitted to intensive care, and 26 others required hospitalization for more than two days, contributing to a total of 57 severe injuries categorized by prolonged hospital stays, ICU admissions, or fatalities among pediatric patients.
The findings were released in the CPSP's annual report, which was jointly published by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society. Researchers surveyed 800 physicians to gather the data, marking one of the first national assessments related to severe injuries involving these electric micromobility devices. It is notable that this newly released data does not include historical information; however, a previous report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information indicated that hospitalizations linked to e-scooters for children aged five to 17 rose sharply from 33 in 2022-2023 to 53 in 2023-2024.
Emergency room doctors and trauma specialists across Canada have noticed a disturbing trend, as they witness a dramatic surge in injuries associated with e-scooters and e-bikes. These devices, also encompassing e-skateboards, e-unicycles, and hoverboards, are often marketed towards younger audiences, but the report highlights that approximately 80 percent of injuries reported involved children under the age of 16. This alarming statistic has led to calls for improved public education and clearer policies regarding the use of these devices.
Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, a pediatric emergency physician at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, stated that he rarely completes a shift without seeing at least one e-scooter injury. He has observed an exponential increase in incidents in recent years, with a significant number of injuries being serious in nature. Nearly half of the reported cases featured head injuries, which could include brain bleeds, fractured skulls, or concussions, with neurosurgery being the most common intervention required. In 2020, for instance, only one e-scooter injury was recorded at SickKids, whereas this number swelled to 107 by 2025.
Dr. Rosenfield noted that these devices are marketed as toys but function as high-speed motor vehicles capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h. The patchwork of regulations across different provinces has resulted in confusion among Canadians regarding the legality of these devices. In Ontario, cities such as Brampton and Mississauga have implemented e-scooter pilot programs permitting riders aged 16 and older to travel up to 24 km/h. Conversely, Toronto has banned e-scooters on public thoroughfares, sidewalks, and park pathways, although many users disregard this regulation.
In Alberta, regulations prohibit riding privately owned e-scooters on public roads or sidewalks, although rentals are available in Edmonton and Calgary, where riders can utilize designated city paths. Dr. Brian Rowe, who works in emergency care in Edmonton, expressed concerns regarding the disconnect between city regulations and the interests of rental companies, emphasizing that the healthcare implications deserve more attention.
Quebec has extended its e-scooter pilot program to 2028, allowing riders as young as 14 to operate devices at speeds up to 25 km/h. Since this pilot program's introduction in 2023, Montreal Children's Hospital Trauma Centre has reported a tenfold increase in e-scooter and e-bike injuries. Deborah Friedman, the trauma director at the hospital, pointed out that a significant proportion of injuries do not involve vehicular collisions but arise from riders being thrown off the devices. Alarmingly, nearly 60 percent of injured children admitted this year were under 14 years old. Friedman advocates for increasing the minimum riding age and enforcing stricter helmet regulations, as she often encounters patients with inadequately secured helmets who suffer facial injuries.
The sharp rise in severe injuries necessitates urgent action from policymakers who should collaborate closely with trauma centers to develop effective strategies. Friedman conveyed her apprehension regarding potential injury trends as children return from summer holidays and begin using these devices for their daily commutes.
