Queensland’s peak doctors’ body has called for a blanket ban on under-16s riding electric bikes and scooters, despite new figures showing a decline in serious injuries among children.
Seven children were admitted to Queensland Children’s Hospital for more than 24 hours after e-scooter or e-bike incidents between July and September. That compares with 18 admissions in the first three months of the year and 16 between April and June.
The figures were released by the Queensland Government after new restrictions came into effect on July 1. Under the rules, 12 to 17-year-olds may ride compliant e-bikes and e-scooters provided they are supervised by an adult.
Professor Roy Kimble, director of paediatric surgery, burns and trauma at the hospital, said the figures covered only the first three months under the changed laws but showed a rapid fall in admissions.
“But I’m very pleased to say that there has been a rapid decline in the number of children into this hospital after riding e-scooters and e-bikes,” he said.
AMA Queensland, which represents doctors across the state, said on Wednesday that the restrictions should be extended. Its president, Erica Gannon, said children should use only non-electric devices until they had developed greater awareness of road rules.
“AMA Queensland told the parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices the best policy was a total ban on under-16s, and we still believe that,” she said.
Ms Gannon said electric mobility devices differed from conventional bicycles and scooters because the physical effort needed to accelerate and maintain speed could influence how riders behaved around traffic, footpaths, junctions and other road users.
“Injuries of this nature are incredibly traumatic and have a huge ripple effect on the patient’s family, friends, community and the health professionals who treat them,” she said.
