E-scooter hospitalizations up by 40%, many with head and brain injuries: data

Advertisement

Advertise with us

TORONTO - The Canadian Institute for Health Information says hospitalizations for both children and adults riding e-scooters rose by almost 40 per cent in the past year. 

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!

As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

Subscribe Now

or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.

Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
  • Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
Start now

*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

TORONTO – The Canadian Institute for Health Information says hospitalizations for both children and adults riding e-scooters rose by almost 40 per cent in the past year. 

Data released Tuesday showed there were 837 hospitalizations last year between April 2025 and March 2026, up from 601 in the same period the previous year. 

Fractures and head and brain injuries were among the most common reasons e-scooter riders were hospitalized.  

A person rides on an electric scooter in Toronto, on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman
A person rides on an electric scooter in Toronto, on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman

Meanwhile, the number of kids 15 years of age and under hospitalized for e-scooter injuries almost tripled. 

Data showed 150 kids in Canada required hospitalization, compared to 54 children and adolescents in the previous year. 

Canada’s most densely populated areas — including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec — had the most injuries.   

CIHI’s data comes just weeks after the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program said 10 kids died from using e-scooters or e-bikes in 2025.

The pediatric surveillance program’s report noted that the minimum age for riding e-scooters and e-bikes is 16 in most provinces, but that many ignore the rules. 

There are also different bylaws about whether and where e-scooters and e-bikes are permitted in various jurisdictions across the country.

The report called for better policy co-ordination and public education to clearly communicate the laws. 

—With files from Hannah Alberga 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 25, 2026.

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Lifestyles

LOAD LIFESTYLES ARTICLES