A Queensland hospital is witnessing a concerning trend, with approximately two children per week seeking treatment for injuries related to e-scooter accidents. This alarming statistic has prompted public health officials to advocate for urgent changes to existing safety regulations.
A recent report published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health highlighted that between 2023 and 2024, the Sunshine Coast region recorded 176 hospital visits by children aged five to 15 due to e-scooter injuries. Notably, 10% of these injuries were classified as life-threatening or potentially life-threatening, and around 37% resulted in fractures.
The Queensland legislation permits children aged 12 to 15 to ride e-scooters, provided they are supervised by an adult, while speeds are limited to 25 km/h on roads and 12 km/h on footpaths. Although helmet use is compulsory and carrying passengers is prohibited, the study found that a significant number of cases involved children not wearing helmets, exceeding speed limits, or riding with passengers.
Analysis revealed that 13% of injuries were due to collisions with cars, with 8% involving other e-scooters or mobility devices. The majority of affected individuals were boys, and ages ranged from five to 15, with the median age being 14. Dr. Matthew Clanfield, the lead researcher and a clinician at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, expressed concern over the increasing frequency and variety of injuries among young patients using e-scooters, noting that he saw cases frequently during his shifts.
The types of injuries included minor fractures and, in some severe cases, traumatic brain injuries that required surgical intervention. Many parents were reportedly unprepared for the risks associated with e-scooter use, often unaware of the legal requirements regarding supervision for minors.
In response to these findings, the Queensland Government has initiated a public inquiry into e-scooter use and other mobility devices. Currently, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory are the only states allowing e-scooter use for those under 16. Dr. Clanfield is advocating for a minimum age of 16 for e-scooter riders until adequate safety measures are established.
Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, articulated that e-scooters present significant public health concerns across the nation. He acknowledged the convenience and enjoyment they offer but stressed the risk of high-speed usage particularly among younger riders, which poses a genuine threat to public health and safety. Slevin noted that the findings from the Sunshine Coast reflect a broader issue affecting regions across the country, suggesting that the number of hospitalised children is likely to be much higher when considering all areas where e-scooters are available. This situation presents a critical opportunity for addressing what is considered the "tip of the iceberg" concerning preventable injuries.