Calls For E-Scooter Ban Grow After Rise In Child Injuries

18 children admitted to Temple Street with brain injuries after e-scooter crashes.

The number of children admitted to hospital with traumatic brain injuries after e-scooter crashes has risen by 50% in the past year.

Children’s Health Ireland says e-scooters are now the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries among children.

Between June last year and May this year, 18 children were admitted to Temple Street with traumatic brain injuries after e-scooter crashes. 

That’s a 50% increase on the previous year.

Before e-scooters were legalised in May 2024, just one child had suffered a brain injury in a crash. 

Since then, almost 40 have needed specialist neurosurgical care.

The figures have intensified  calls for an outright ban on e-scooters.

Professor Eoin Sheehan, Orthopaedic Surgeon in Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore says protection like helmets can only do so much:

Dmitri says some people have to rely on them because of poor public transport and heavy traffic: 

Meanwhile, A fundraiser is being launched to support a Laois teen who was critically injured in an e-bike accident. 

13-year-old Thomas Crean Keogh from Portlaoise, was involved in the incident last month. 

He has undergone multiple major surgeries and remains in hospital.

His aunt, Orla Keogh, created the fundraising campaign to help the family cover hospital accommodation and household expenses.

The family faces ongoing financial pressure while caring for Thomas and his three brothers during his recovery.

People are being encouraged to donate to help the family here

 

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