Close to 500 children across England have suffered e-scooter injuries since 2019, fresh research indicates.
The average age of injured youngsters was 12, with under 2% wearing helmets when accidents took place.
Academics noted an urgent requirement for clearer public health advice and a review of government legislation to prevent additional casualties and fatalities.
They highlighted that 59 total deaths involving e-scooters occurred in the UK, including 10 victims under 18 years of age.
Riding privately owned e-scooters in public spaces remains illegal, though rental models are available through Government pilot schemes in selected cities.
The study evaluated data from Liverpool and Manchester, which operate hire schemes, alongside Sheffield, which does not.
Between January 2019 and December 2024, three children’s trauma centres logged 477 young e-scooter patients.
Nearly three quarters (74%) resided in highly deprived areas. The mean age of injured children was 12, with half falling between ages 10 and 13.
Riders suffered 95% of injuries, while 80% of collisions involved privately owned e-scooters. Only 2.5% of incidents occurred on private property.
Arm and leg injuries occurred most frequently, though almost a quarter (24.1%) involved head trauma to youngsters. One in 10 head injuries was severe enough to necessitate scans, hospital admission, and surgical care in places.
Among the most severely hurt children, nearly half (48%) suffered injuries colliding with cars or fixed objects.
Writing in the Emergency Medicine Journal, researchers said: “E-scooter related injuries are rising. Limb, head and facial injuries were most common, with head injuries being most severe, this has serious life-changing implications for families and significant impact on healthcare resources.
“There is a need for greater public awareness, clear public health messaging and review of government legislation to prevent further injuries and deaths.”
Barely 1.8% of youngsters injured in e-scooter incidents wore helmets, according to the evaluation. Over half of cases took place on public property such as roads, footpaths, or in parks.
Researchers added: “Retailers should have a responsibility to pass on the legal regulations to their customers as well as UK regulations to ensure safety in the design of private e-scooters.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “These are concerning findings, and our thoughts are with anyone who has been injured on our roads.
“It is illegal for private e-scooters to be used on roads, pavements or in other public spaces, including by under 16s, and we’re bringing forward new laws to make their use safe and legal, including consulting on requirements like helmets.”
