Over 120 children in the Belfast Trust region have received treatment for injuries caused by electric scooters and e-bikes in the last year, as reported by a senior physician.
Dr. Gail Davison, a specialist in pediatric emergency medicine at the Royal Belfast Hospital, stated that the issue has turned into “a significant epidemic.”
She mentioned that “it’s only a matter of time before we experience even more serious injuries than we are currently facing or see a rise in fatalities.”
Electric scooters are two-wheeled devices driven by electric motors and are only permitted to be used on roads, bike lanes, and in parks in the UK when they are leased through a government-supported program.
E-scooters that are owned by individuals are permitted for use exclusively on private property, provided the landowner gives their approval.
Bystanders also at risk
Davison stated that e-scooters have emerged as a “serious issue” for parents, patients, the public, and the healthcare system, potentially leading to “life-altering and dangerous” injuries.
Ninety-three children visited hospitals within the Belfast Trust during the past year due to e-scooter-related injuries, with more than a quarter experiencing fractures or head injuries that required further examination and CT scans.
“Fewer than 10% are using helmets, and they are primarily boys aged 10 to 12,” Davison added.
I have been handling cases involving children with severe head injuries that necessitate surgery, hospitalization, and we are also observing significant wounds resulting from e-bike accidents, with children requiring theater visits for wound exploration and surgical treatment.
And over the past few months, we’ve observed a growing number of people injured as bystanders.
Not only are children on the e-scooter getting hurt, but now even bystanders like young children walking on the sidewalk are being affected.
What regulations exist for electric scooters?
According to current laws, electric scooters are classified as motor vehicles and therefore must be subject to taxation, insurance, and equipped with lights and a license plate.
The operator must also possess a valid driver’s license.
Senior Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the Police Service of Northern Ireland stated, “e-scooters are being used on roads and in public areas in violation of the law.”
Ch Supt Donaldson stated that people, including many minors, are committing violations because the e-scooters they are using are not legally permitted in public areas.
From a safety perspective, their improper usage in public areas can endanger both the rider and the general public.
Individuals have already suffered significant harm due to their usage. We are also aware that they are generating considerable worry, irritation, and disturbance in numerous communities.
Call to parents and caregivers
Davison is currently urging parents to act responsibly.
“Parents who arrive here once the damage is done, and after the injury has already happened, find it hard to accept that they might have bought the e-scooter for their child as a Christmas or birthday gift,” she stated.
She mentioned that supervisors should prevent children from operating e-scooters and e-bikes outside of private property, and also prohibit them from using small electric vehicles that belong to their friends.
I have never encountered a child who suffered an injury from an e-scooter while on their own private property.
There is a significant issue because all the children arriving with injuries have been using e-scooters in violation of the rules.
jasdooit 
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