Hospitals in London, Ont are seeing an increase in both the frequency and severity of injuries related to electric scooters and bikes. This trend is linked to the rising popularity and affordability of these devices, according to healthcare professionals in the region.
Dr. Graham King, Chief of Surgery at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, reports that these injuries are different from those typically caused by traditional bikes or scooters. He notes that e-scooters and e-bikes result in “higher energy injuries,” which often require surgery and sometimes involve compound fractures—where the bone pierces the skin. The most common injuries include facial fractures and severe wrist fractures, which are typically more serious than those from a regular fall.
Injuries from these devices, particularly given their speeds of up to 30 km/h, can cause significant damage, including infections, nerve damage, and brain injuries. Dr. King emphasizes the danger of high-speed collisions, which can lead to traumatic injuries.
This trend isn’t confined to London. Toronto’s SickKids hospital has also been reporting a rise in e-scooter and e-bike injuries since last year.
Rai Di Loreto, an injury prevention specialist at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), highlights the preventability of many of these injuries. In 2023, 37 adults and 14 children were hospitalized for falls from e-scooters, and these numbers rose in 2024 to 41 adults and 23 children. Although the data on e-bike injuries is less specific, the overall trend is concerning.
To stay safe, experts recommend wearing a helmet at all times, which can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries. Di Loreto stresses the importance of responsible riding—using these devices legally and appropriately by avoiding riding on sidewalks or trails, following road rules, and never riding under the influence. Additionally, riders should avoid carrying passengers, as these vehicles are designed for one person only.
In short, while e-scooters and e-bikes offer eco-friendly, cost-effective transportation, safety precautions are crucial to preventing severe injuries.