Queensland’s peak motoring body has urged parents to think twice before buying children e-scooters for Christmas, as new data reveals thousands of riders have been hospitalised after crashes.
Research by the Jamieson Trauma Institute, in partnership with RACQ, found 1608 e-scooter riders were treated in Queensland hospitals in the first 10 months of 2025, averaging five people a day.
The data also shows 7237 people presented to emergency departments between 2018 and October 2025 following e-scooter crashes, with 1391 requiring further treatment.
RACQ principal technical researcher Andrew Kirk said the figures highlighted the need for families to research devices and safety requirements before purchasing.
“When we look at the types of injuries, 28.3 per cent sustained head injuries, 23.9 per cent suffered facial trauma, and almost half experienced fractures,” he said.
“With more than 50 per cent of injuries affecting the face or head, it’s clear many riders are not wearing helmets correctly, not wearing them at all, or the helmet they’re using isn’t protective enough.”
RACQ recommends stand-up e-scooter riders wear a full-face helmet to reduce the risk of serious facial injuries.
Parents were also urged to ensure devices were legal, including meeting weight and size limits, having a bell, and complying with Queensland rules.
Children under 12 are not allowed to ride e-scooters, while those aged 12 to 16 must be supervised by an adult.
RACQ also warned families to avoid illegal e-bikes, saying devices without pedals or able to travel faster than 6km/h without pedalling were not legal.
