E-bikes and e-scooter warning
Parents are being warned about the dangers of electric scooters and bikes following a spike in accidents involving children.
Last month, 10 children presented to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick (SCH), after being injured riding e-bikes and e-scooters, taking the total to 48 this year. An additional five children have been injured after being hit as a pedestrian by an e-bike or e-scooter.
While the numbers are small compared to car-related accidents in the same period, there is still cause for concern as children’s injuries can range from scrapes and bone fractures through to deep tissue wounds and severe head injuries.
Dr. SV Soundappan, Head of Trauma at CHW, said the spike in accidents is an important reminder for parents to know the rules for these devices and to ensure children and young people are taking safety measures.
"Helmets are a vital form of safety protection and can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries when riding bikes and scooters of any kind,” Dr. SV Soundappan said.
“While e-bikes are speed limited to 25km/h, illegally modified e-bikes and e-scooters can reach much higher speeds. Their high speeds, limited stability, and use in unpredictable environments means the safety risks are higher.”
“Wearing a properly fitted helmet is one of the easiest and most effective things children and young people can do to protect themselves from serious harm.”
Children who do not wear a helmet are 78 per cent more likely to suffer a head injury compared to those wearing a helmet during a road accident. They are also 43 per cent more likely to have an injury classified as severe or critical.
Dr Donovan Dwyer, Director of Trauma at SCH, said, “Riders of all ages should remain conscious of their surroundings, including pedestrians, when operating e-scooters or e-bikes.”
“Being hit by an e-scooter travelling at high speeds can cause serious injuries, and we’ve seen the impact of that in our Emergency Department. Ensuring safe riding practices is essential to protect both riders and those sharing the pathways,” Dr Dwyer said.
For further information on road safety, visit Safe riding | Transport for NSW