Call for Queensland to ban under-16s from e-scooters as injuries soar

The first-ever study into paediatric injuries exposes the grave dangers of Queensland being one of only two states to allow under-16s to ride e-scooters.

Jackie Sinnerton

@JSinnerton

2 min read

June 4, 2025 - 12:01AM

Young e-scooter riders in Brisbane not using helmets. Picture: John Gass

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Editor’s view: Truth exposed

Rising numbers of Queensland children are landing in hospital with shocking injuries including brain damage following falls from e-scooters, sparking public health experts to call for a 16-year-old age limit in the state.

The first-ever study into pediatric injuries exposes the grave dangers of Queensland being one of only two states to allow under-16s to ride on the scooters.

While supervision is required for 12 to 15-year-olds, many parents are unaware that they must monitor their children.

The law also states that speeds must be curtailed to 25km/h on roads and 12km/h on pedestrian walkways.

Helmets are required and two riders (doubling) is forbidden.

The research, published on Wednesday in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, investigated 176 pediatric e-scooter injuries in children and teens aged five to 15 years old who attended Sunshine Coast University Hospital in 2023-24.

Illegal doubling of a young rider in Brisbane. Picture: John Gass

But the researchers say the findings expose a statewide problem.

Fourteen-year-olds are the most likely to end up needing medical care and travelling without helmets, and carrying a passenger is commonplace.

The shock findings come from lead author Matthew Clanfield, who worked at the hospital during the study period.

The research comes as the Queensland government launches a parliamentary inquiry into e-scooter and e-bike safety following a surge in injuries of Queenslanders of all ages.

There was a 112 per cent rise from 2021-24 in injuries to riders, passengers and pedestrians.

“It was previously uncommon to see 14-year-olds in our ED as they are generally healthy but during the two-year study period scooters were the reason for one in 30 emergency visits within this age group,” Dr Clanfield said.

“It’s extremely concerning that young people are using these vehicles for fun and leisure and ending up in hospital as a result.

Young e-scooter riders in Brisbane not wearing helmets. Picture: David Clark

“The types of injuries ranged from minor fractures and injuries, through to traumatic brain injuries requiring a craniotomy.

“A lot of the parents attending were extremely upset to see their child hospitalised and weren’t aware how risky e-scooters can be or the legal requirement for supervision for under 16.”

Dr Clanfield is calling for a minimum age of 16 to be imposed in Queensland until safety measures are improved.

Public Health Association of Australia CEO Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin said e-scooters were a public health and safety concern across Australia, and regulation had failed to keep pace.

“Public health experts are calling for e-scooters to be restricted to teenagers 16 and over as increasing numbers of children are presenting to EDs with life threatening injuries and many end up with craniotomies,” Prof Slevin said.

“This study provides data in one region and in one hospital but this is an issue in every town and city where they have landed across Australia, including in busier areas.”