A regional children's hospital is dispelling myths surrounding the dangers of e-scooters as more kids and teens are getting seriously hurt.
The Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) recently released an advisory, as emergency physicians noted "an alarming increase" in the number of e-scooter-related injuries.
Children's Hospital treated 58 injuries related to incidents involving e-scooters between April and June, which is a significant spike compared to the same time last year, with approximately 22 injuries.
"While some injuries are relatively minor, we're also seeing patients with broken bones, significant cuts, facial injuries and concussions. What's particularly concerning is that many of these injuries involve children who are younger than the legal riding age," said Paediatric Emergency Medicine Physician and Assistant Professor for the Department of Paediatrics at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry Dr. Sheena Belisle.
The advisory said the number and severity of incidents have become a growing concern, especially when it comes to head injuries.
"My main concern is the potential for intercranial bleeds, which can be life-threatening or life-altering," Belisle said. "Even concussions can have long-term consequences as they are more at risk for future concussions, and it can take them longer to return to regular activities and routines."
Belisle said often, injuries have common factors such as not wearing helmets, riding distracted, and having more than one person on a scooter.
One myth the hospital noted was: you don't need a helmet for a short trip, when in reality, many serious injuries happen close to home.
Another example of a myth was that e-scooters are "just toys," but the hospital stressed they're motorized vehicles capable of causing significant injuries.
Belisle encouraged families to talk about road safety and responsible e-scooter use.
"E-scooters are not toys. Our goal isn't to take the fun away from riding them, but to help children and families stay safe," said Belisle. "If sharing what we're seeing in the emergency department helps prevent even one serious injury, then these conversations are worth having."
A list of myths versus realities to help inform families can be found on LHSC's website.
