'Concerning trend:' SickKids ER has seen 16 injuries related to e-scooter use so far this summer
The Hospital for Sick Children says it is seeing a notable uptick this summer in the number of injuries related to e-scooters and e-bikes in Toronto, calling the increase a “concerning trend.”
In a news release published on its website, SickKids said in June and July alone, the emergency department has seen 16 injuries related to e-scooter use, compared to just five injuries over the same period last year.
“E-scooters and other similar devices can be attractive to children who may view them as toys or youth who use them for transportation,” Dr. Suzanne Beno, Medical Co-Director of the Trauma Program and Emergency Physician at SickKids, said in the release.
“We are seeing a notable increase in patients presenting to the Emergency Department with significant injuries from e-scooter use this season.”
Beno noted that high speeds, a lack of helmet use, young age and interaction with motor vehicles “all place children and youth at risk of serious injury if there is a fall or collision.”
According to the hospital, since 2020, the SickKids Trauma Registry has seen a “significant increase” in the number of serious injured tied to battery-powered devices, with e-scooters accounting for about 85 per cent of “battery-powered device” injuries from 2021 to 2024.
In more than 50 per cent of the injuries seen at the SickKids emergency department, the patient was not wearing a helmet, the hospital said.
“The dramatic rise in injury rates in recent years, and this summer alone, reflects a potentially emerging and concerning trend,” the news release continued.
SickKids notes that children under the age of 16 should not operate e-devices and anyone who does use battery-powered devices should always wear a proper-fitting helmet that is in good condition.
The hospital also encouraged users to follow the manufacturers warnings on age, height, and weight restrictions, adding that these devices should never be operated with multiple riders.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
TOP STORY What you need to know about COVID-19 as we head into fall
As we head into another respiratory illness season, here’s a look at where Ontario stands when it comes to COVID-19 and what you need to know.
Tuesday's Lotto Max draw set to hit all-time Canadian record of $80 million after no Friday winner
In a Canadian lotto first, the national Lotto Max jackpot has reached an estimated $80 million prize.
More new cars no longer come with a spare tire. Here's what you need to know
Vehicles used to come with a "full-sized" spare tire, but about 30 years ago, auto manufacturers moved to a much lighter, smaller tire, sometimes called a "donut spare." But now, depending on the car you have, it may not have any spare at all.
Son charged with 1st-degree murder after father's death on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast
A 26-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of his father on the Sunshine Coast last year.
From an apartment in Vancouver to a storage container near Saskatoon, how 2 teenagers’ airplane finally gets unveiled to family decades later in Ontario
Decades after soaring through Vancouver's skies, spending years in a storage container in Saskatoon, and finally being restored in Ontario, a plane built by hand by two teenagers at the height of the Great Depression will be unveiled to their family for the first time.
Fugitive wanted in connection with Rocky View County murder arrested
Mounties have captured a fugitive wanted for murder and on the run since early August, and it happened while they were working another case.
MPs to face new political realities on their return to Ottawa
On Monday, Parliamentarians will return to the familiar stone walls of West Block in Ottawa to find the political landscape has shifted significantly.
Dick Cheney was once vilified by Democrats. Now he's backing Harris. Will it matter?
Dick Cheney is a career Republican still vilified by Democrats for his bullish defense of the Iraq War as U.S. vice president. But his partisan loyalties were cast aside in extraordinary fashion last week when he endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris for the White House.
'Such a rush': Vancouver makeup artist wins second Emmy award
A born-and-raised Vancouver resident is among the film and television artists from the FX drama Shogun who swept the Creative Emmy Awards.