Micromobility is fun but risky for kids

The Alarming Rise in Injuries

What started as a trendy way to navigate urban streets has become a growing public health concern. Doctors treating pediatric emergencies report a disturbing uptick in injuries linked to electric scooters and bikes—nearly 500,000 incidents between 2017 and 2023. And the numbers aren’t slowing down, particularly among young riders who account for a disproportionate share of cases.

Fatalities That Spotlight the Problem

The stakes are deadly. In Illinois alone, two teenagers lost their lives in separate electric scooter crashes—a grim reminder that these accidents aren’t isolated incidents but part of an escalating crisis. Across the U.S., cities are scrambling to implement safety measures, from speed limits to mandatory training. Illinois took it a step further, launching the "Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready" initiative to combat the issue. Yet, critical legislation to bolster protections for young riders remains stalled in some statehouses.

A Preventable Tragedy: The Cost of Negligence

For parents, the appeal of a quick, effortless ride may overshadow the risks. But a helmet-free fall at high speed can lead to catastrophic injuries—fractures, traumatic brain damage, or worse. Emergency room physicians, who witness these consequences firsthand, stress that safety isn’t optional. The stark reality? Fun shouldn’t come at the expense of a child’s well-being.