Why Kids Should Not Ride E-Scooters

Electric scooters have become a popular way for people to get around. However, the speed, weight and power of electric scooters introduce significant risks that parents and guardians must understand. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under the age of 16 should not ride or operate electric scooters. Dr. Megan Attridge, attending physician in Emergency Medicine, explains the dangerous truths about e-scooters.

What is an electric scooter? 

An electric scooter or e-scooter closely resembles a traditional kick scooter but is powered by an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. These devices may be privately owned or rented and may have different age restrictions depending on local laws.

Illinois state law restricts electric scooter use to riders 18 years and older in public spaces. That means children and teens are not permitted to operate them on streets, sidewalks or other public rights-of-way.

Are electric scooters safe for kids? 

Unlike traditional kick scooters, electric scooters can easily reach speeds of 15 to 25 miles per hour with little physical effort. These higher speeds mean a significantly higher impact during a crash, making them even more dangerous for kids and adults.

In addition, putting kids on a device that moves as fast as a car exposes them to traffic risks they are not equipped to navigate. The AAP reminds us that children under 16 do not have the developmental skills and judgement to safely operate electric scooters.

Common Injuries from Electric Scooters 

It’s common for kids to fall and get injured throughout childhood, but there has been a noticeable increase in injuries directly related to electric scooters. These injuries are often more severe than typical playground or cycling accidents, including: 

• Head trauma: This is the most dangerous and most commonly reported injury. Concussions, skull fractures and severe traumatic brain injuries are common, often because children either aren't wearing helmets or the helmet is not rated for the speed of the device.
• Facial injuries: Fractures to the jaw, nose and teeth are frequent results of going over the handlebars.
• Complex fractures: Instead of simple wrist fractures, we often see forearm, elbow and clavicle fractures due to high-speed impacts.
• Severe road rash: Extensive and deep abrasions ("road rash") that require complex wound care and sometimes skin grafts, due to sliding on asphalt at high speeds. 

Injuries are more common when riders do not wear helmets, ride on sidewalks, or ride at night. 

Essential Safety Guidelines for Parents 

The AAP recommends that children under 16 should not operate electric scooters. For older teens and adults using these devices, the following safety principles are critical: 

Wear mandatory gear 

Wearing a helmet is non-negotiable. It should be certified (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) and rated for the speed of the device. If the device goes over 20 mph, a U.S. Department of Transportation-certified full-face helmet (like those used for motorcycles or mopeds) should be considered.

Riders should also wear elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards, as they protect the areas commonly injured in a fall. Anyone riding an electric device should always wear closed toe footwear. High-visibility or reflective gear and lights should be worn at night. Riders should avoid using headphones so they can hear traffic. 

Stay in the safety zones 

Riders should avoid car traffic and also areas like sidewalks which could put pedestrians at risk. Keep them on dedicated bike paths or paved trails away from cars. Always ensure a rider is supervised by an adult, particularly near intersections or busy areas. Never allow riders to ride double on a device designed for a single rider. 

Require training 

Ensure your rider knows how to use an electric scooter properly. Practice braking smoothly and consistently at high speeds. Plus, teach them basic traffic rules (stop signs, hand signals) so they can communicate safely when riding.  

The goal is for all children to enjoy an active childhood. By understanding the unique dangers of electric scooters and strictly enforcing safety protocols, we can help keep children out of the emergency room and on the path to fun.

Find out more about Lurie Children's Emergency Medicine Division here.

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