Hundreds of children hurt in 'serious' e-scooter accidents

Nearly 500 children in England have been hurt by e-scooters since 2019, a new study suggests.

The average age of youngsters injured was 12, with just 1.8% wearing helmets when the incidents happened.

Writing in the Emergency Medicine Journal, researchers said there is a need for better public health messaging and a review of government legislation.

"E-scooter-related injuries are rising," they warned, with "serious life-changing implications for families and significant impact on healthcare resources".

According to the study, 59 deaths have been reported in the UK involving e-scooters, including 10 people who were aged under 18.

It is illegal to use privately owned e-scooters in public, but they are available to rent as part of government pilots in some cities.

The study looked at data from Liverpool and Manchester, which have rental programmes, and Sheffield, which does not.

Between January 2019 and December 2024, there were 477 patients recorded with e-scooter injuries at three children's trauma centres.

Some 95% of the injuries were sustained by the rider, and 80% of incidents involved private e-scooters.

The most common injuries were to the arms and legs, but 24.1% were head injuries.

One in 10 head injuries needed scans, hospital admission and surgery in some cases.

Almost three quarters (74%) lived in the most deprived areas.

Of the most seriously injured children, 48% were hurt after colliding with a car or stationary object.

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The average age of the injured children was 12, and half were aged 10 to 13.

More than half of cases took place on public land, such as roads, and in parks or on footpaths, with just 2.5% of injuries happening on private land.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "These are concerning findings, and our thoughts are with anyone who has been injured on our roads.

"It is illegal for private e-scooters to be used on roads, pavements or in other public spaces, including by under-16s, and we're bringing forward new laws to make their use safe and legal, including consulting on requirements like helmets."

(c) Sky News 2026: Hundreds of children hurt in 'serious' e-scooter accidents