Scottish medics and police warn against gifting e-bikes as injuries among children rise
"We've seen the trauma these accidents bring to families, and we strongly urge parents to reconsider before buying one."
Medical experts and police are warning parents to think about the dangers of buying e-scooters and e-bikes for children after an "alarming" rise in the number of injuries.
Between May and October this year more than 30 children needed emergency care at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow , up from four cases during the same period of 2024.
Injuries suffered by children this year included major head trauma, broken femurs, chest injuries, and severe lacerations, with those treated aged between seven and 15.
Read more here: Enquiries about Edinburgh school places soar by nearly 20% in wake of Labour's VAT change
It is illegal for under-14s to ride e-bikes in Scotland , while privately-owned e-scooters cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or in other public spaces.
Police and medical experts are urging parents to think twice before buying such vehicles as Christmas gifts.
Mark Lilley , major trauma co-ordinator at the RHC, said: "The rise in injuries this year is alarming.
"We know e-scooters 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."
Read more here: SNP order probe into Eljamel Inquiry evidence destruction as 'criminality' fears raised
Police Scotland officers visited the RHC this week to raise awareness about the issue.
Sergeant Paul Mellis 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."
He said anyone found riding a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter on a public road is likely to have it seized by officers.
Mr Mellis added: "I'd urge parents and carers to consider the dangers e-scooters and e-bikes present before purchasing one for a child this Christmas."
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.