14 Jun E-Scooter Dangers: Why More Kids Are Ending Up in Hospital
Shocking New Data Reveals Weekly Hospitalisations on the Sunshine Coast
Parents are being urged to think twice before letting their child ride an e-scooter, after new research revealed that two children a week are hospitalised due to e-scooter injuries on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, found 176 children aged 5 to 15needed hospital treatment over just two years—many for serious or even life-threatening injuries.
Broken Bones, Brain Injuries and the Hidden Risks
Researchers found that:
-
1 in 10 injuries were life-threatening or potentially life-threatening
-
37% of kids suffered a fracture
-
42% weren’t wearing helmets
-
36% were travelling faster than the legal limit of 25km/h
-
13% collided with a car
Boys aged around 14 were the most common patients, but the youngest rider injured was just five years old.
Dr Matthew Clanfield, who worked at Sunshine Coast University Hospital during the study, said the trend was deeply worrying:
“It was previously rare to see teens in our emergency department. But now, e-scooters are responsible for 1 in every 30 visits by 14-year-olds.”
What the Law Says—and Why It Might Not Be Enough
In Queensland, children aged 12 to 15 can legally ride an e-scooter—but only with adult supervision. Helmets are mandatory, and speeds are limited to:
-
25km/h on roads
-
12km/h on footpaths
Despite these rules, the study showed that many kids are riding unsupervised, speeding, or doubling up—adding to the risk.
Experts Call for Stricter Rules to Keep Kids Safe
Following the findings, Dr Clanfield and public health leaders are calling for a minimum riding age of 16 until better safety regulations are in place.
Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin from the Public Health Association of Australia said the current lack of regulation is putting thousands of kids at risk:
“This is a national safety issue. What we’re seeing on the Sunshine Coast is happening in cities and towns across Australia.”
He added that while e-scooters can be a fun and eco-friendly option, the lack of enforcement and safety awareness is turning them into a public health threat.
What Parents Can Do Now
-
Know the law: Under-16s must be supervised and wear helmets.
-
Talk to your kids about safe speeds and traffic awareness.
-
Stay involved: If your child rides, keep an eye on how and where they use their scooter.
-
Advocate for change: Push for stronger safety rules in your community.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health is the source of the research.
Main Image: Kidsafe WA.
Check out your own State’s regulations for kids and Escooters as they vary from State to State.
~NSW Road safety info for Escooters here
