Ireland sees 50% rise in child brain injuries from e‑scooter crashes

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) reports a 50 % increase in admissions of children and young people with traumatic brain injuries sustained in e‑scooter crashes. Between June 2024 and May 2025, 12 children were admitted; the same period a year later saw 18 admissions, with a further seven cases reported thereafter. Almost all injuries involved skull fractures (97 %) and intracranial bleeding (100 %); more than half required emergency brain surgery (53 %) and 43 % were treated in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Most victims were not wearing helmets (97 %) and the incidents were largely single‑vehicle falls or collisions with stationary objects (83 %). CHI estimates that one to two children present daily to emergency departments with e‑scooter‑related injuries, placing a heavy burden on paediatric trauma services.

The surge follows legislation introduced in May 2024 that legalised e‑scooters on Irish roads, setting a minimum age of 16 and a speed limit of 20 km/h. Prior to the law only one child had been admitted with a brain injury. In response to the rising toll, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he is “leaning towards” a full ban, and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has voiced support for an outright prohibition. CHI has called for preventive measures, describing the injuries as “life‑changing” and urging public‑health action.