E-scooter injury toll revealed in study just ‘tip of the iceberg’ in Australia, doctors warn

theguardian.comPublished: 6/3/2025

Summary

The alarming rise in injuries among children under 15 using e-scooters in Queensland—176 cases treated over a year—highlights severe consequences like brain trauma and fractures, often without helmets or safety knowledge. Only Queensland allows 12-15-year-olds to ride e-scooters under supervision; nationwide, stricter age limits and enforcement of safety rules are urgently needed. Experts warn that as e-scooters grow more popular but are ridden mainly by adults, children’s lack of understanding of road rules increases their risks without proper protection. Calls for action emphasize the importance of updated laws to protect young users while promoting cautious, adult-supervised usage.