Electric scooter injuries, including severe ones such as head trauma and brain bleeds, are on the rise at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), according to Dr. Kelly Vogt, the hospital's trauma program medical director. Between April 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, LHSC recorded 183 e-scooter-related injuries, with 14 cases severe enough to require trauma team intervention.
Dr. Vogt noted that the hospital is likely seeing a record number of emergency visits linked to e-scooters and e-bikes as these devices become more popular. Over the past five years, the trauma service has observed year-over-year increases in patients with multi-system injuries from these vehicles. While LHSC changed how it codes e-scooter injuries in April 2025, making direct comparisons with previous years difficult, the trend is clear: more patients are arriving at emergency departments with e-scooter-related injuries.
Common Injuries and Demographics
The most frequent injuries include broken bones and head injuries such as concussions. More severe outcomes, including brain bleeds, traumatic brain injuries, and even deaths, have also occurred. Patients are typically younger and otherwise healthy, but individuals in their 70s and 80s have also sought treatment.
Need for Regulation
Dr. Vogt emphasized that without legislative changes, injuries will continue to rise as e-scooter use grows for both transportation and entertainment. She described current regulations as insufficient.
In response, London city council voted 11-4 on Tuesday to approve a bylaw allowing participation in a provincial pilot program permitting personal e-scooters until 2029. The plan includes an enforcement and education campaign in partnership with police, along with $100 fines for parents who allow children under 16 to use the scooters.
Trauma Season Approaching
LHSC released the injury data ahead of the unofficial start of “trauma season,” which begins on the Victoria Day long weekend. Patient volumes typically increase from May through September, with two-thirds to three-quarters of trauma cases occurring during this period. Increased travel, outdoor activities, and more time outside heighten exposure to injury risks.
Dr. Vogt encouraged people to enjoy outdoor activities but urged them to do so in a distraction-free manner to reduce risks.
