The number of children treated for e-scooter-related injuries at London’s Children’s Hospital more than doubled this spring compared with the same period last year, according to new data from London Health Sciences Centre. The hospital treated 22 children for e-scooter-related injuries between April and June 2025. That number rose to 58 during the same three-month period this year — an increase of about 164 per cent. The figures come as e-scooter use continues to be permitted on London streets under a provincial pilot program. Londoner Lindsey Greeno uses her e-scooter as her main mode of transportation. “I use it both to get to work. And like right now, I’m using it to get to the gym. So it’s. I rely on it very heavily,” said Greeno. She said she wears a helmet and follows the city’s rules. But the rise in injuries has prompted concerns about the safety of the devices, particularly among younger riders. Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information shows hospitalizations involving children and adults riding e-scooters rose by almost 40 per cent in the past year. The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program also reported that 10 children died in 2025 while using e-scooters or e-bikes. Dr. Sheena Belisle, a paediatric emergency physician at LHSC, said children arriving at the emergency department are presenting with a wide range of injuries. “We see the full spectrum of injuries present to the pediatric emergency department,” Belisle said. “Everything from very mild injuries which might include bruises, cuts, scrapes to more serious injuries like broken bones and concussions to very significant injuries, which might include intra abdominal injuries and brain bleeds. So it can be very scary.” The increase in injuries comes after London city council extended its e-scooter pilot program in May. The decision included measures aimed at improving safety and enforcement, including an education campaign, proactive enforcement, and a new $100 fine for parents of riders under 16. Under London’s rules, e-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old. Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. Ward 10 Coun. Paul Van Meerbergen said he remains concerned about children riding e-scooters illegally. “Frankly, it’s illegal. We passed a by-law that anyone under 16 is forbidden from riding these bikes, these e-scooters on London’s streets, but yet you look around and there they are,” said Van Meerbegen. Ward 1 Coun. Hadleigh McAlister supported extending London’s pilot program but said the province should ultimately be responsible for regulating e-scooters. “Ultimately the province needs to be the one regulating them,” said McAlister. “We heard from staff about difficulties regarding enforcement. Even with an outright ban, it would be tough to stop them.” For now, e-scooters remain permitted on London roads with speed limits below 50 kilometres per hour, as well as in bike lanes and on multi-use pathways. The province’s e-scooter pilot program is scheduled to end Nov. 27, 2029.
