News & Info
RSA and CHI launch campaign to warn of dangers of e-scooters for children
17th December, 2025
Road safety authority and Children’s Health Ireland calling on parents and guardians not to buy e-scooters for children as Christmas gifts.
A recent report from the Faculty of Paediatrics at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) has identified e-scooter accidents as the leading cause of traumatic brain injury admissions at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI).
Since May 2024, over 25 children have been admitted to hospital with traumatic brain injuries resulting from e-scooter falls. In response, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), in collaboration with Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), have launched a public awareness campaign highlighting the significant risks e-scooters pose to children under 16 years of age.
The campaign reminds people of the age restrictions and the potential for serious injury from e-scooters, and aims to discourage parents and guardians from purchasing e-scooters for children.
As part of this campaign Dr Irwin Gill, Consultant Paediatrician at CHI, stated:
“In the last year, we’ve seen more than 20 children who sustained serious brain injuries after falling from e-scooters. The average hospital stay for these children was 19 days, and some face lifelong consequences.”
These incidents were frequently the result of:
- a loss of control of the e-scooter
- hitting curves or potholes
- falling off when going at speed
Helmet use was reported in only one case, and many injuries were sustained at speeds exceeding the legal limit of 20 km/h1.
Research from the Faculty of Paediatrics at the RCPI also showed:
- 50% of e-scooter accidents required neurological and ICU intervention,
- 40% of the children admitted had issues with movement,
- and 80% had new difficulties with cognition2.
The long-term effects of traumatic brain injury can be difficult to predict. However, potential impacts may include challenges with:
- movement
- sensation
- communication
- cognition
- behaviour
- self-care
Further studies indicate growing public concern regarding e-scooter safety for all road users. Non-compliance with regulations remains prevalent, with one in three users admitting to riding on footpaths, and 13% reporting that they carried children as passengers3.
E-scooter users should take precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of other road users.
To help reduce accidents and injuries:
- only use an e-scooter if aged over 16 years
- wear a helmet
- do not carry passengers
- use reflective or high-visibility clothing and lights
- know and obey the law
- avoid distractions like mobile phones or headphones
- maintain the scooter
- stick to safe routes.
To find out more about the dangers of e-scooters for children visit the RSA website or read the full report about e-scooter falls and brain injuries in children published by The Faculty of Paediatrics at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
If you or a family member were injured in an e-scooter accident through no fault of your own, we may be able to help. Contact us and tell us about your case today.
Sources:
1.RCPI calls for action on brain injury in children due to e-scooter use
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared by Tracey Solicitors LLP for general guidance only and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice.
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