Parents in Scotland could face prosecution after a sharp increase in children being injured in electric scooter and bike crashes, police have warned. It is illegal for under-14s to ride e-bikes in Scotland, and privately-owned e-scooters cannot be used on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes.
Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children reported that e-scooters and e-bikes are now among the most common causes of major trauma admissions for young patients. Cases soared by more than 600 per cent last year, with over 30 children—some as young as seven—treated between May and October.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We urge parents and carers to consider the dangers of e-scooters before purchasing one. Anyone buying an e-scooter has a responsibility to be aware of the law and the implications of using one in a public place. Enforcement action can be taken against the rider and those who purchase these machines.”
Retailers are required by law to clearly display restrictions at the point of sale, but concerns have been raised that some are failing to do so. A UK Government spokesperson warned: “It is illegal to ride privately owned e-scooters on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements and any retailer who doesn’t make this clear at the point of sale is breaking the law.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie said many young people and parents are unaware of the dangers and the law, while Scottish Conservative MSP Liam Kerr described e-scooters as a “serious threat to public safety”. Jenna Hills, major trauma coordinator at the hospital, noted that injuries range from broken bones to head and skull injuries, and cases increase with better weather.
