RACQ issues urgent warning over e-scooters as hospital admissions soar

Shocking new data reveals e-scooter crashes are sending five people to Queensland hospitals daily, as experts warn Christmas shoppers about illegal devices.

E-scooter riders in Brisbane

An average of five Queenslanders a day have been admitted to hospitals this year following e-scooter crashes, the latest findings from a motoring peak body have revealed.

Shocking research conducted by the Jamieson Trauma Institute, in collaboration with RACQ, found that in the first 10 months of this year, 1608 e-scooter riders ended up in Queensland hospitals after crashing.

The data also revealed that between January 2018 and October 2025, 7,237 people presented to an emergency department after an e-scooter crash in Queensland, with 1391 people needing further treatment.

28.3 per cent of Queenslanders presenting to emergency departments since 2018 had sustained head injuries, 23.9 per cent suffered facial trauma, and almost half (43.4 per cent) suffered fractures.

The data comes after several English cricketers were spotted riding e-scooters without helmets through Brisbane last week, ahead of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba.

13 people had died in e-scooters in Queensland so far this year, including one woman who died on Sunday, December 7, on the Sunshine Coast.

The 33-year-old Wurtulla woman, Jacinda Barzan, was a mother of two who lost control of the scooter in Aroona on Sunday afternoon and later succumbed to her injuries in the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

It is a rise from last year’s eight deaths. 

RACQ principal technical researcher Andrew Kirk urged Queensland parents and families to avoid illegal e-bikes and scooters currently flooding the market.

E-scooters for hire in Brisbane

“Make sure the e-scooter weighs less than 60kg and fits within the legal-size limits – either 1250mm long by 700mm wide by 1350mm high, or 700mm long by 1250mm wide by 1350mm high,” Mr Kirk said.

“It’s also important to check the e-scooter has a bell or similar warning device and no sharp edges or protrusions. Finally, remember the rules in Queensland – children under 12 are not allowed to ride e-scooters, and those aged 12 to 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult.”

He stressed the importance of driving at the legal speed limit and wearing protective gear when riding an electric mobility device.

“With more than 50 per cent of injuries affecting the face or head, it’s clear many riders are not wearing helmets correctly, not wearing them at all, or the helmet they’re using isn’t protective enough,” Mr Kirk said.

“This is exactly why RACQ recommends stand-up e-scooter riders wear a full-face helmet – to reduce the likelihood of severe facial injuries.”

Mr Kirk advised parents to be diligent and ensure they gift legal devices.

“We know many children will be asking for an e-bike this Christmas because their friends have one, and we understand it can be difficult to know what’s legal and what isn’t,” Mr Kirk said.

“Parents should look out for key signs of an illegal e-bike. For example, if it doesn’t have pedals or can travel faster than 6km/hour without pedalling, it’s illegal.

“Don’t put your child’s life at risk this festive season with an illegal e-scooter or e-bike – make informed choices, prioritise safety, and ensure your holidays are memorable for all the right reasons.”

Originally published as RACQ issues urgent warning over e-scooters as hospital admissions soar