Victorian hospitals are treating a record number of children injured on e-scooters and e-bikes, with new data from the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit revealing a dramatic surge in incidents – prompting urgent safety warnings on this National Kidsafe Day, 5 March.
Kidsafe Victoria says the devices, often marketed as fun and accessible for young people, are in fact high-speed motorised vehicles capable of causing life-altering injuries and death.
In 2024/25, 719 Victorian children aged 2-18 presented to emergency departments due to e-scooter and e-bike injuries – a 67% and 61% increase respectively on the previous year.
Over the past five years, emergency department presentations linked to e-scooters have surged by 1572%, while e-bike injuries have risen by 917%.
Alarmingly, nearly half (47%) of e-scooter injuries involve children aged 10-14 – despite Victorian law prohibiting riders under the age of 16.
E-bike injuries are most common among teenagers aged 15-18, and boys account for the majority of cases on both devices – 71% of e-scooter injuries and 87% of e-bike injuries.
Under Victorian law, children under 16 are not permitted to ride e-scooters.
Helmets are mandatory, speeds are capped at 20km/h, and riders cannot use footpaths.
Yet Kidsafe Victoria says many families remain unaware of the legal requirements, and some devices sold online exceed permitted speed limits.
National Kidsafe Day will be marked across Victoria on 5 March, with a focus on preventing serious injuries before they become lifelong tragedies.
For safety information or to support the campaign, visit: https://www.kidsafevic.com.au/national-kidsafe-day/
