Experts warn against dangers of e-scooters
The number of electronic personal mobility device injuries presenting at Queensland emergency departments, has risen over the last 12 months.
Brisbane trauma experts are again warning people about the dangers of e-scooters and e-bikes following a rise in serious injuries during the last 12 months.
Emergency data collated by the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit in collaboration with Metro North’s Jamieson Trauma Institute shows that the number of electronic personal mobility device (E-PMD) injuries presenting at participating emergency departments, has risen from 1,626 in 2024 to 2,000 in 2025.1
Data also shows that peak times for all E-PMD related presentations has shifted from between midday and midnight and weekends to between midday and 6pm, possibly reflecting a higher volume of regular commuters being injured.
Director Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit and Emergency Paediatrician Dr Ruth Barker said that Queensland is the only state that allows children under 16 to ride scooters.
“Queensland is over represented in the number of e-scooter fatalities with approximately one third of all media-reported e-scooter deaths and half of the deaths under 16 years of age occurring in the state,” Dr Barker said.
Dr Ruth Barker, Director Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit
“Emergency departments across Queensland are treating more and more injuries caused by e-scooters and e-bikes every week.”
The proportion of children under 16 presenting to emergency departments with E-PMD related injuries has risen over the last five years to account for around 25% of all presentations in QISU data.
“Some of the more serious injuries we treat include head and facial injuries with many of these children requiring intensive care and long term treatment and support,” she said.
“We know from experience that e-scooters can be dangerous, especially for younger people who commonly take risks and overestimate their abilities.
“However, you don’t need to take risks in order to be injured. Compared to riding a bike, e-scooters have much faster acceleration and are far more unstable.
“Children under 16 aren’t able to navigate the speed and acceleration and manage the dynamics of traffic and road rules.
“Children aged 12-16 years should be supervised when riding, but even with the best intentions, parents know it is almost impossible to prevent an injury mid-incident.
“I’m hopeful that Queensland will soon align with other states in banning children under 16 from riding E-PMDs.”
1 Not all hospitals participate in QISU data collection. QISU does not receive data from some of the larger hospitals such as Gold Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast University hospital and Princess Alexandria Hospital. So, the total number of statewide PMD related presentations is likely to be 3 to 4 times this number.