Doctors push for new rules as alarming e-scooter statistics revealed

Trauma doctors are calling for tougher new regulations on e-scooters after an alarming rise in serious injuries.

The Herald Sun reports e-scooter and e-bike related admissions to the state’s trauma centre have doubled from 24 in 2020-21 to 49 in 2021-22.

The number of people in intensive care as a result of e-scooters and e-bikes has almost quadrupled, with five cases in 2020-21 and 18 cases in 2021-22.

Executive officer of Victoria Walks, Dr Ben Rossiter, is “very concerned”.

He says the negative impacts aren’t limited to riders themselves, with some disabled and elderly people now too frightened to go for a walk.

“It makes it really difficult to walk so even when they’re not hit it can put them off walking,” he told Ross and Russel.

“It makes them really apprehensive and scared.”

Press PLAY below to hear how e-scooters are causing harm