A new analysis reveals a worrying surge in e-scooter related injuries across Queensland, with data showing that an average of five riders ended up in hospitals every day during the first ten months of 2025. Research conducted by the Jamieson Trauma Institute, in partnership with RACQ, found that 1,608 e-scooter riders required hospitalization after crashing between January and October 2025,.

The seriousness of the issue is underscored by broader historical data, which shows 7,237 people presented to Queensland emergency departments following e-scooter crashes between January 2018 and October 2025, with 1,391 needing further treatment.

However, the actual number of hospitalizations is likely significantly higher than reported. The data collected by the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) comes from approximately 30 of the state’s emergency departments but excludes figures from several major hospitals, including Princess Alexandra, QEII, Mater, Logan, and Gold Coast.

Head and Face Injuries Dominate

RACQ’s Principal Technical Researcher, Andrew Kirk, noted that the surge in crashes highlights the necessity for parents to conduct thorough research before purchasing an e-scooter this Christmas.

Analysis of injury types shows that crashes frequently result in severe trauma. Almost half of injured riders (43.4%) experienced fractures, while 28.3% sustained head injuries and 23.9% suffered facial trauma.

Mr. Kirk emphasized that with more than 50% of injuries affecting the face or head, it is evident that many riders are either not wearing helmets correctly, not wearing them at all, or using inadequate protective gear. Due to this trend, RACQ strongly recommends that stand-up e-scooter riders wear a full-face helmet to reduce the likelihood of severe facial injuries,.

Parents Urged to Verify Legality

Beyond ensuring quality protective gear, RACQ advises parents to be diligent about purchasing devices that comply with Queensland law.

Parents must ensure the e-scooter weighs less than 60 kilograms and adheres to strict size limits, which are either 1,250mm long by 700mm wide by 1,350mm high, or 700mm long by 1,250mm wide by 1,350mm high. Devices must also be equipped with a bell or similar warning device and must not have any sharp edges or protrusions.

When considering e-bikes, which are reportedly flooding the market, Mr. Kirk urged parents to steer clear of illegal devices. Key signs of an illegal e-bike include the absence of pedals or the ability to travel faster than 6km/h without pedaling.

Finally, parents must remember the mandatory Queensland riding rules: children under 12 are not permitted to ride e-scooters, and children aged 12 to 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult.

“Don’t put your child’s life at risk this festive season with an illegal e-scooter or e-bike—make informed choices, priorities safety, and ensure your holidays are memorable for all the right reasons,” Mr. Kirk concluded.