Mapping the Spike: CIHI Data Reveals 40% Surge in E-Scooter Hospitalizations
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
An analysis of Canadian Institute for Health Information figures shows a sharp rise in severe injuries, with pediatric hospitalizations nearly tripling despite provincial age restrictions.
Hospitalizations involving e-scooter riders in Canada increased by nearly 40% over a one-year span, as first reported by CityNews Toronto. Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows 837 hospitalizations between April 2025 and March 2026, up from 601 in the previous year, with the highest concentration of injuries in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec.
The trend is most severe among youth. Hospitalizations for riders aged 15 and under nearly tripled, rising from 54 to 150. Additionally, the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program reported that 10 children died in 2025 due to e-bike or e-scooter injuries.
Fractures and head or brain injuries were among the most common reasons for hospitalization. Despite a minimum riding age of 16 in most provinces, the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program notes that many users ignore these rules. The program has called for better policy coordination and public education to address fragmented bylaws across various jurisdictions.