December 11, 2025
The RACQ has urged parents to think carefully before giving an e-scooter to their children as a Christmas present following the release of the latest injury data.
Research by the Jamieson Trauma Institute has found that 1608 e-scooter riders ended up in Queensland hospitals during the first 10 months of this year, ie. five people per day.
The data also revealed that between January 2018 to October this year, 7237 people presented to an emergency department after an e-scooter crash in Queensland, with 1391 needing further treatment.
“When we look at the types of injuries, 28.3 per cent sustained head injuries, 23.9 per cent suffered facial trauma, and almost half (43.4 per cent) experienced fractures,” RACQ spokesperson Andrew Kirk said.
“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.
“This is exactly why RACQ recommends stand-up e-scooter riders wear a full-face helmet to reduce the likelihood of severe facial injuries.”
The RACQ also advised parents to be sure they were buying legal devices.
“Make sure the e-scooter weighs less than 60kg and fits within the legal-size limits – either 1250mm long x 700mm wide x 1350mm high; or 700mm long x 1250mm wide x 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.”
RACQ also urged parents to steer clear of the illegal e-bikes which are currently flooding the market.
Any e-bike with a motor output greater than 250 watts is illegal to use in public in Queensland.
“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/h 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.”
According to Queensland Police, at least 37 deaths have occurred since 2018 linked to personal motorised devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
I am much more concerned about pedestrians, especially the elderly or disabled.
My 86-year-old mother was nearly hit by a child on an e-scooter last year, and I also narrowly avoided being hit by one. They are FAST and they are SILENT (just like electric cars).
Plus, laws regarding where they can be ridden are not controlled by the Police but by the local Council.
And its not just e-bikes , but normal bikes are allowed to go full speed along a pavement. All it takes is for a person to slightly veer one way, and bang…
These accidents don’t just cause a bruise, they are capable of killing a pedestrian. In fact, there have been many deaths (Google it) of pedestrians by these scooters.
How about making them registerable so they can be fined and reported? After all, a disability ride-on must be registered, the excuse being they “have a motor”. Well, nowadays so do scooters!
Imagine being told your 10-year-old had hit and killed a person on the footpath. It would be devastating, for BOTH families.