E-scooters and e-bikes have soared in popularity among kids — and so have serious injuries. Here’s what every parent and caregiver should know.
These aren’t ordinary bikes and scooters. Children on electric devices are significantly more likely to be in life-threatening traffic accidents and to suffer head injuries requiring surgery — compared to kids on conventional bicycles and scooters. The most common injuries include head and facial trauma (including traumatic brain injuries and cranial hemorrhages), fractures, and internal organ injuries.
In one pediatric emergency department study, only 12% of children injured on personal mobility devices were wearing helmets at the time. The lack of protective equipment combined with speed contribute significantly to higher rates of internal injuries and hospital admissions.
E-scooter riders
Injuries primarily occur from falls. Average injury age: 11 years old. Largest rider group is 11–14 years old. Males account for ~75% of injuries.
E-bike riders
Nearly half of injuries involve motor vehicle crashes. Injuries predominantly affect teens aged 13–18. Males account for ~75% of injuries.
Why kids are vulnerable
Higher head-to-body ratio, developing road skills, risk-taking tendencies, and susceptibility to peer influence all increase danger at speed.
- ✓Require a properly fitted helmet — every time. Head and facial trauma are common, serious injuries; helmet use dramatically reduces severity.
- ✓Assess your child’s maturity and skill before allowing e-device use. These are not toys — they require traffic awareness, balance, and sound judgment.
- ✓Keep speeds in check. Injuries linked to speeds above 20 mph are far more likely to involve internal organ damage and hospitalization.
- ✓Supervise younger riders. Electric scooters and electric bicycles pose significant dangers to children under age 16, with injury rates and severity far exceeding those of conventional bicycles and scooters.
- ✓Discuss peer pressure directly. Young riders are especially prone to risk-taking when influenced by peers — make this part of the conversation.
- ✓Add wrist guards and knee and elbow pads for younger or less experienced riders, especially on e-scooters where falls are the primary injury mechanism.
Comments are closed.