Electric vehicles—whether they’re sleek cars, zipping e-bikes, or fun-packed scooters—are surging in popularity as our planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges. It’s thrilling to see so many people embracing the idea that we have just this one planet to live on and it’s high time we start treating it with care. E-bikes and e-scooters, in particular, are not just eco-friendly alternatives; they can be a blast to ride. However, as with all great things, they come with their own set of risks.
According to a recent report from ERideHero, the number of injuries involving e-scooters among children under 15 has skyrocketed, more than doubling from 2023 to 2024. Data compiled from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s NEISS Database—which monitors injuries from a representative sample of over 100 ER departments—paint a concerning picture. Though injuries across all age groups have increased gradually from 2020 to 2023, the jump from 2023 to 2024 was shocking: the number skyrocketed from 64,312 to 115,713 injuries. For younger riders, the figures tell a striking story: injuries among those under 15 soared from 8,159 to 17,641, with many of these involving serious head and face injuries—underscoring just how important it is to wear a helmet.
When you consider that the average e-scooter can hit speeds of 15 to 25 miles per hour, it’s easy to see why these devices can become instruments of injury. To put that speed into perspective, think about Space Mountain at Disney World—it reaches about 27 miles per hour! While riding an e-scooter may feel harmless, its capacity to accelerate quickly can catch kids off guard, leaving them little time to brace for their ride—or the potential of a fall. At those speeds, the consequences can be severe: losing control, colliding with obstacles, or simply falling can lead to serious injuries.
Across social media and various platforms, healthcare professionals are sounding the alarm about the rising injury rates linked to e-scooters and e-bikes. Many doctors have expressed significant concern, noting the chilling increase in emergency room visits related to these rides. Some even openly share their reluctance to let their own children ride these devices due to their experiences treating injured kids. As one pediatric ER doctor, who has garnered attention on TikTok, candidly stated, “It feels like every trauma is related [to e-bikes and e-scooters].” The analogy of placing a child on a motorcycle without a license really drives home the potential danger these rides pose.
Ultimately, while e-scooters and e-bikes offer a unique, efficient, and enjoyable mode of transportation, they also carry risks that should not be ignored, especially for kids. As a parent or guardian, it’s crucial to stay informed and take the necessary precautions—like ensuring helmet use and supervising young riders to mitigate these risks. By being proactive, you can help your children enjoy these electric rides while keeping their safety at the forefront.
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