In Alberta, medical professionals are expressing concern over the increasing number of e-scooter injuries, particularly among children. The incidents requiring emergency room and urgent care visits related to electric scooter accidents have been steadily rising, with a significant uptick noted in children’s hospitals.
According to Alberta Health Services data, there were 1,877 e-scooter-related visits during the 2022-23 fiscal year. By the first 11 months of 2025-26, the annual visits had surged to 3,049. The most notable spikes were observed in the Edmonton zone, where yearly visits more than doubled.
Combined visits to Alberta’s two children’s hospitals, Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, and Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, for e-scooter injuries more than tripled during the same four-year period, increasing from 85 to 268 cases. Dr. Stephanie VandenBerg, an emergency room physician and researcher at the University of Calgary focusing on e-scooter injuries, expressed deep concern over the situation.
Injuries seen by medical professionals include broken and fractured bones, cuts, as well as serious head trauma like concussions and brain injuries. Dr. VandenBerg highlighted severe facial fractures resulting from collisions with the scooter’s central pole or other obstacles such as trees or curbs, termed as “facial smash.”
Alberta Health Services pointed out that changes in reporting methods for e-scooter injuries might have contributed to the rise in incidents in 2025. Dr. VandenBerg warned against the practice of adults doubling up with children on e-scooters, emphasizing the risks of such actions on children’s developing brains and skeletal systems.
Dr. Brian Rowe from the University of Alberta, who also studies e-scooter injuries, noted witnessing risky behavior among e-scooter riders, particularly children, during roadside surveys in Edmonton. He highlighted the lack of helmet usage and mentioned fatalities related to e-scooter accidents.
In Calgary and Edmonton, riders must be 18 years old to use shared e-scooters, with varying rules on speed and riding locations across cities. Dr. Rowe stressed the need for awareness of the risks associated with e-scooter use, especially for children under 16.
In addition to the rise in injuries, doctors in Edmonton reported an increase in the severity of injuries, with some leading to life-altering consequences, especially head injuries. Dr. Rowe urged adherence to safety recommendations, such as wearing helmets and riding sober, provided by the University of Alberta’s Injury Prevention Centre.
Alberta Health Services highlighted concerns about e-scooter collisions with vehicles and emphasized safe riding practices, including using helmets, protective gear, and selecting safe riding areas away from traffic. They advised families to supervise young riders, ensure age-appropriate devices, and choose well-visible riding locations for increased safety.
