Electric Scooters: High Speed, High Risk

By: Dr. Oneith Cadiz

As kids head back to school, electric scooters are becoming a popular way to get around. But behind the convenience and fun lies a growing safety concern. Every parent should be aware of the risks associated with electric scooters.

Emergency Room Injuries

Electric scooters are now a common sight in neighborhoods and school zones. However, emergency rooms have reported a sharp rise in scooter-related injuries, particularly among children and teens. The most common injuries include:

• Head injuries and concussions
• Broken bones, especially wrists and arms
• Cuts, scrapes, and even dental injuries

Safety Measures

In order to prevent serious injuries, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges riders of all ages to follow these road rules:

• Wear a bicycle helmet that fits properly and is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic, using bike lanes when available.
• Stop and look both ways before entering the street.
• Stop at all intersections, whether marked or unmarked.
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs.

Faster Doesn’t Mean Better

Unlike bicycles, electric scooters can reach high speeds (often more than 15 miles per hour), making accidents more dangerous. Children tend to underestimate the risks, may not have the coordination or judgment needed for safe riding, and are less visible to drivers. Back-to-school season also brings heavier traffic and more distractions for both riders and drivers. This combination increases the risk of collisions at intersections, driveways, and crosswalks. With heavier traffic and distracted drivers, school zones are especially dangerous during drop-off and pick-up hours.

Electric scooters can be fun, but they’re not risk-free. This school year, make safety a priority and avoid a trip to the emergency room.

Dr. Oneith Cadiz is a UHealth Jackson Children’s Care board-certified pediatrician and the director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids Miami at Holtz Children’s Hospital.