E-Scooters and E-Bikes Pose Serious Risk to Children in Canada, 10 Deaths Reported Last Year

The use of e-scooters and e-bikes is proving increasingly dangerous for children in Canada. According to a report from the Canadian Paediatric Society, 10 children died last year from injuries linked to e-scooter and e-bike crashes, with six of those deaths occurring in Ontario.

The report also found that 12 children were admitted to intensive care units following e-scooter-related crashes, while 26 children required hospital treatment for two or more days.

The concerning findings are based on information collected from paediatric specialists across Canada. Nearly half of the serious cases involved significant head injuries, while almost all of the children involved in these incidents were reportedly not wearing helmets at the time of the crashes.

The most serious injuries were seen mainly among boys between the ages of 10 and 15.

The report also highlights differences in provincial regulations. In British Columbia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island, riders must generally be 16 or older to operate a standard e-bike, while the minimum age is lower in some other provinces or there is no specific age requirement.

Paediatric experts are calling for stronger safety measures and greater awareness among parents and young riders, particularly around helmet use and age restrictions.