Queensland e-scooter injuries escalate to five per day
In Queensland, over five individuals per day are being treated in emergency departments for e-scooter injuries, highlighting a concerning rise in incidents according to state hospital data.
Recent data from the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit reveals a troubling increase in e-scooter injuries, with over 2,000 riders experiencing serious injuries in 2025, a significant rise from previous years. This statistic averages out to more than five individuals visiting emergency departments each day, indicating a growing safety concern linked to e-scooter usage across the state. Notably, around 39 percent of these injuries involved bone fractures, while approximately half were associated with head and facial trauma, prompting serious discussions about public safety.
Experts like Michael Kane from the RACQ have expressed alarm at this escalation, as it is believed that the reported figures may underestimate the true extent of e-scooter injuries since data was collected from just 36 hospitals within Queensland. The potential consequences of these incidents can be severe, with many individuals facing life-altering injuries, which raises questions about the adequacy of current safety measures and infrastructure in place for e-scooter riders. Dr. Kane emphasized the physical and emotional toll these accidents take, highlighting the necessity for improved safety standards to protect users.
Advocates for safer riding, including Anna Campbell from Queensland Walks, noted that the reported data does not account for pedestrians who may have been injured in incidents involving e-scooters, suggesting a broader issue of public safety that needs addressing. Calls for improved infrastructure, such as more dedicated bike lanes, are growing louder as officials and the community grapple with how best to mitigate the risks associated with the soaring popularity of e-scooters in Queensland, promoting a dialogue about how to enhance safety for all road users.