E-scooter injuries spike at BC Children's Hospital
Visits more than doubled in a year, with kids under the age limit making up over half of cases.
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E-scooter-related emergency visits at BC Children's Hospital have more than doubled in the past year, raising safety concerns as the devices become more common on city streets.
In 2024, the hospital saw 37 e-scooter injuries. By 2025, that number jumped to 81. More troubling: over half involved youth aged 13 to 15, despite B.C.'s minimum riding age of 16.
"About a third have broken bones, lots of abrasions — sometimes very extensive — and concussions," said Dr. Genevieve Ernst, trauma medical director at BC Children's Hospital. "But we're also seeing severe injuries, including serious brain injuries, where kids need to be admitted, go to critical care, or undergo surgery."
B.C. is running an e-scooter pilot project in 36 communities, allowing riders on public roads with speed limits of 50 kilometres an hour or less. Provincial regulations require riders to be at least 16 and wear a helmet; violations carry a $109 fine and vehicle impoundment.
Burnaby has gone further, banning e-scooters from major roads unless riders use separated bike lanes. "Having e-scooters share the road really elevates the risk for users, especially when people are travelling at different speeds," said Amy Choh, director of engineering transportation for the City of Burnaby.
Vic Leach of pedestrian advocacy group Walker's Caucus says enforcement is weak and rules don't match other jurisdictions. In Victoria, Australia, riding without a helmet costs about $400 CAD; exceeding 25 kilometres an hour carries a fine over $1,000. B.C. riders don't need a licence to operate an e-scooter.
"I think parents are going to be shocked because they see it as a fun activity," Leach said. "But you need education and operator experience."