CHI Medics Raise Alarm Over 50% Jump in E-Scooter Brain Injuries in Young Users
Children’s Health Ireland medics report a 50% surge in traumatic brain injuries from e-scooter accidents in young users over the last year, now the top reason for admissions to Temple Street’s neurosurgical centre. Dr. Irwin Gill warns of long-term neurocognitive impacts. The government is considering registration and insurance, while medics urge stronger action, including potential bans, to address the «out of control» situation.
Medics from Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) have expressed grave concern over a 50% increase in traumatic brain injuries among young e-scooter users in the past 12 months, making it the leading cause of admissions to Temple Street’s paediatric neurosurgical centre. This rise occurs despite current legislation requiring users to be over 16 and adhere to a 20km/h speed limit, suggesting inadequate enforcement.
Dr. Irwin Gill, a consultant in neurodisability at CHI Temple Street and a signatory to a letter in The Irish Times, highlighted that the long-term neurocognitive effects of these injuries, such as memory and attention deficits, often become apparent months or years later. He noted that almost all injuries result from single e-scooter accidents, predominantly involving young boys hitting curbs or poles at speed. Gill emphasized that once these brain injuries occur, they cannot be undone, only rehabilitated.
Minister of State Seán Canny acknowledged the benefits of e-scooters but attributed misuse to «stupidity,» stating the government is considering measures like registration, insurance, and taxation. CHI is collaborating with the Road Safety Authority on an awareness campaign from late 2025. Dr. Gill called for urgent action, including potentially mandatory licensing, insurance, or even removing e-scooters from roads entirely, stressing that the current situation of paediatric traumatic brain injury is «out of control.»