Children as young as nine hurt in growing number of e-scooter crashes
Summary
Hospitals in Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield have treated increasing numbers of children under 16 injured on private e-scooters. Most injured kids were around 12 years old, wore no helmets, and suffered falls or collisions, prompting calls for stricter safety laws in the UK.Key Facts
- Between 2019 and 2024, e-scooter injuries in under-16s rose from fewer than 10 to nearly 150 cases.
- The average age of injured children was 12, with the youngest being 9 years old.
- Most injured children were riders, with only 5% being pedestrians hit by e-scooters.
- Around two-thirds of injured children were boys, and half were between 10 and 13 years old.
- Many injuries were to arms and legs; head and face injuries were also common.
- Private e-scooters are illegal on public roads and pavements but remain widely used there.
- UK law currently has no age limit, speed restrictions, or mandatory helmet rules for private e-scooters.
- Rental e-scooters, which have lower speed limits and insurance, can only be used by people aged 16 or older with a driving license.
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