'E-scooters are not toys': Safety pleas made as one child injured in accident every three days

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Almost two-thirds of people riding privately-owned e-scooters in Queensland are injuring themselves so badly they need the second-highest level of emergency response when they get to a hospital, new data has revealed.

According to new research between the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Foundation, 58 per cent were triaged with life-changing facial and head injuries.

Doctors claim the problem is getting so bad that on the Sunshine Coast alone, emergency departments are seeing on average one child with an e-scooter-related injury every three days.

"At the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Emergency Department, we are seeing on average one paediatric e-scooter-related injury every three days, with many resulting in life-threatening or potentially life-threatening injuries," said Medical Director of Trauma Service and Emergency Specialist Dr Andrew Hobbins King.

"These injuries are predominantly occurring in teenagers aged 14-15 and result in life-changing injuries including significant brain injuries, facial trauma, and limb fractures.

"Many of these injuries are the result of risk-taking behaviours, including riding at excessive speeds, doubling [two people riding one device] and not wearing helmets.

"We encourage all riders to follow the rules for personal mobility devices and ask parents to encourage their children to ride safely and always with a helmet." 

The study, conducted by the Jamieson Trauma Institute (JTI) with five major emergency departments in Queensland, also revealed more than a third of private e-scooter riders admitted to speeding.

Of those presenting to hospital, 64 per cent were injured on a private device compared with 36 per cent using a hired scooter.

Joanna Robinson, General Manager for Land Transport Safety and Regulation at Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads, said the devices can be safe and a convenient way to travel, if used properly.

"This should go without saying – please wear a helmet and buckle it up, and do not drink and ride. Riders ignoring these rules are risking more than just a fine – it could cost them their lives," she said.

"Heading into the festive season – we particularly want to remind parents, that e-scooters and e-bikes are not toys, and if they are giving these devices as presents, to ensure the device is legal and that children know the rules and follow them." 

The research results come as police on the Sunshine Coast have teamed up with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and others to encourage people riding e-scooters and e-bikes to take safety seriously.

Between January 1 and August 31 this year, police in the state issued more than 3370 fines related to e-bikes and e-scooters – with the number one reason for a ticket being failure to wear a helmet.  

"We've seen too many instances of children and adults riding e-scooters and e-bikes illegally and dangerously, which can lead to crashes and serious injury," Acting Superintendent Chris Toohey said. 

"The community concern for these riders, and the other road users and pedestrians, is growing and we're taking action.  This is about safety and saving lives."

According to police, one way the force is tackling unsafe riding is by using drones to carry out enforcement action when having boots on the ground everywhere isn't an option.

Most incidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes are single-vehicle crashes and involve the rider not following road rules.

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