Parents are being urged not to buy e-scooters for children this Christmas due to a sharp rise in serious head injuries. It is illegal for anyone under 16 to ride an e-scooter on public roads, yet they have become the leading cause of traumatic brain injury among children treated at Children’s Health Ireland in Temple Street. More than a quarter of paediatric neurosurgery cases this year were linked to e-scooter accidents.
Around half of the injured children needed intensive care, and almost half required emergency brain surgery, with some left permanently disabled. A new radio campaign by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Children’s Health Ireland features Dr Irwin Gill, who warns parents about the severe consequences he sees in young patients. He reports that over 20 children suffered major brain injuries from e-scooter falls in the past year.
“As someone who sees injured children far too often, I’m asking parents: please do not allow any child under sixteen to ride an e-scooter.” said Dr Gill.
RSA research shows rising public concern about e-scooter safety. Many regular users admit to unsafe behaviour, including riding on footpaths, carrying children, and even transporting adult passengers. Nearly a quarter of frequent riders say they have been in a collision, and one in three has had a near miss.
Since e-scooter use became legal under new rules in 2024, hospitals have seen more serious injuries among young riders. RSA chief executive Sam Waide called the trend “deeply concerning” and emphasised that e-scooters are not toys but powerful vehicles. He urged parents not to buy them for children under 16, stressing that the risks are significant and avoidable.