Twelve-year-old Shawn Dunkley from London, Ontario, is recovering from a serious e-scooter accident that left him in a coma with a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury.
The crash, which occurred on August 1, happened while he was riding a family friend’s e-scooter, possibly hitting a raccoon. Shawn has no memory of the incident and is now undergoing recovery while wearing a neck brace. He and his mother, Crystal Dunkley, are speaking out to warn others about the risks of riding e-scooters without proper safety gear, especially helmets.
The initial days following the crash were critical, with Shawn’s family unsure if he would survive or face permanent disabilities. He is currently preparing for rehabilitation at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto.
As e-scooter use grows in popularity, hospitals across Canada are reporting an increase in related injuries. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, nearly half of all scooter-related hospitalizations now involve electric scooters, with a 32% rise in incidents from the previous year. Common injuries include brain trauma and internal bleeding.
Under Ontario’s pilot e-scooter program, riders under 16 are not permitted to operate e-scooters, and those under 18 must wear helmets. Shawn’s case highlights the importance of following these safety regulations to prevent life-altering injuries.