The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow and Police Scotland have joined forces to warn parents about the dangers of eScooters and eBikes for children, as injuries rise sharply.
Over the past 12 months, the number of children attending Accident & Emergency in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde due to eScooter or eBike incidents has increased by more than 600%.
Between May and October 2025 alone, over 30 children required emergency care at the RHC – some admitted to intensive care. Injuries included major head trauma, broken femurs, chest injuries, and severe lacerations.
Children affected ranged in age from seven to 15 years old. This compares to just four cases during the same period in 2024.
Police Scotland officers visited the RHC to stand alongside the hospital’s Major Trauma Coordinators in urging parents to think twice before buying these vehicles as Christmas gifts.
Mark Lilley, Major Trauma Coordinator at the RHC, said:
“The rise in injuries this year is alarming. We know eScooters are popular and may feature on many Christmas wish lists, but the risks are significant. A fall at speed can cause life-changing head or brain injuries. We’ve seen the trauma these accidents bring to families, and we strongly urge parents to reconsider before buying one for a child.”
Privately owned eScooters cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or other public spaces in Scotland. They are classed as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and would require DVLA registration, insurance, a driving licence, and compliance with strict regulations – requirements most eScooters do not meet.
Sergeant Paul Mellis from Road Policing said:
“We’re grateful to the Royal Hospital for Children for helping us share this vital message as we head into the festive period.
“We have seen a rise in the number of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally on roads across Scotland, including in Glasgow, and with that has come serious injuries to children from either falling off or being involved in a crash with another vehicle.
“These vehicles are not permitted on public roads, pavements or other spaces and anyone found riding a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter on a public road will likely have it seized by officers.
“I’d urge parents and carers to consider the dangers e-scooters and e-bikes present before purchasing one for a child this Christmas.”
The Royal Hospital for Children and Police Scotland’s messages to parents this Christmas are:
- Think twice before buying eScooters or eBikes for children.
- eScooters are illegal to use in public spaces in Scotland. It is illegal for under 14s to ride in eBikes in Scotland.
- The risk of serious injury is real and rising.
For more information on the eScooter or eBike guidance please visit Riding an electric bike: the rules – GOV.UK
