Alberta emergency rooms have seen a sharp increase in electric scooter-related injuries, with annual hospital visits climbing from 1,877 in the 2022-23 fiscal year to 3,049 during the first 11 months of the 2025-26 period. According to Alberta Health Services, annual visits to Alberta’s two children’s hospitals combined for e-scooter injuries more than tripled, jumping to 268 from 85, during the same four-year period.
Why are e-scooter injuries rising among children?
Medical experts report that the surge in pediatric injuries is largely linked to the misuse of rental devices. Dr. Stephanie VandenBerg, an emergency physician and researcher at the University of Calgary, notes that children are frequently riding as passengers on scooters operated by adults. This practice often results in the child acting as an “airbag” during a collision. According to Dr. Brian Rowe, an emergency physician at the University of Alberta, many parents underestimate the dangers of these devices, despite the fact that in Calgary and Edmonton, you have to be 18 to ride a shared e-scooter.
Doctors refer to severe facial fractures caused by impacts with center poles or obstacles as a “facial smash.” These injuries are often debilitating and can carry lifelong consequences for developing bodies.
What are the long-term impacts of these injuries?
The physical trauma associated with e-scooter accidents frequently extends beyond minor scrapes. Dr. VandenBerg reports treating patients for broken and fractured bones, cuts, and serious head trauma, including concussions and brain injuries. Dr. Rowe emphasizes that these incidents can be life-altering, leading to long-term disabilities. While official data tracks hospital visits, both physicians suggest the actual number of injuries is likely higher, as many incidents are treated in the community by family physicians, physiotherapists and other health care practitioners.
How can riders improve safety on electric scooters?
To reduce the risk of severe injury, the University of Alberta’s Injury Prevention Centre recommends that all riders adhere to recommendations including wearing a helmet, riding alone and riding sober. Alberta Health Services also advises that families ensure devices are age-appropriate and that riders choose riding areas with good visibility. According to Dr. Rowe, the lack of helmet use remains a primary factor in the severity of outcomes, including fatalities associated with e-scooter use.
Pro Tips for Safer Riding
- Always wear a helmet: A helmet is a recommended safety measure.
- Ride solo: Never carry a passenger, as it can be dangerous.
- Scan the path: Keep your eyes on the road to avoid curbs, trees, and poles that can cause sudden, high-impact crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal age to ride a shared e-scooter in Alberta?
In Calgary and Edmonton, you have to be 18 to ride a shared e-scooter.
Are e-scooter injuries becoming more severe?
Yes, according to Dr. Brian Rowe, physicians in Edmonton are observing more severe injuries, with patients presenting with life-altering head trauma.
Why is the injury data spiking now?
Alberta Health Services notes that changes to the way e-scooter injuries are reported may have contributed to the upswing in 2025.
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