39 children under 16 attended Drogheda A&E following e-scooter incidents so far this year, compared with 10 during the whole of 2025
SHOCKING figures from the HSE have confirmed that 87 patients have been treated at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for e-scooter and e-bike fall related injuries so far in 2026 - four times more than those who were treated for the whole of 2025.
Clinicians said fractures, serious abdominal injuries and head injuries, some of which have life changing consequences were being dealt with with increasing frequency with excessive speed, rider inexperience, failure to wear appropriate protective equipment blamed for the sharp rise in incidents.
The figures also revealed that 39 children under the age of 16 attended Drogheda ED following e-scooter incidents so far this year, compared with 10 during the whole of 2025.
HSE Dublin and North East is urging the public to take extra care when using e-scooters and e-bikes following a significant increase in injuries presenting to the Emergency Department at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
Verified Emergency Department data from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital shows a sharp rise in injuries associated with e-scooters and e-bikes. So far in 2026, 87 patients have attended the Emergency Department following an e-scooter or e-bike incident, compared with 23 patients during the whole of 2025. Emergency clinicians are seeing a substantial increase in patients injured while using these vehicles, with many incidents associated with excessive speed, rider inexperience, failure to wear appropriate protective equipment and collisions with vehicles, pedestrians or other road users.
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Dr Niall O'Connor, Lead Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Medical Clinical Director at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, said:
"We are seeing a significant increase in patients attending our Emergency Department following e-scooter and e-bike incidents. Verified Emergency Department data shows that, so far in 2026, we have treated 87 patients, almost four times the total number treated during the whole of 2025, when we saw 23 cases. These are not minor injuries. We are treating fractures, serious abdominal injuries and head injuries, some of which have life changing consequences. Many of these incidents could have been prevented.”
He added “It is particularly concerning that, despite it being illegal for children under 16 to use e-scooters, 39 children under the age of 16 have attended our Emergency Department following e-scooter incidents so far this year, compared with 10 during the whole of 2025. We would urge parents and guardians to be aware of the legislation and the very real risks associated with e-scooter use by children."
With the good weather and more people spending time outdoors, the HSE Dublin and North East is reminding everyone using e-scooters and e-bikes to take simple steps to reduce the risk of serious injury:
· Wear a properly fitted helmet and appropriate protective equipment.
· Ride at a safe speed and always to the conditions.
· Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
·Avoid using mobile phones or other distractions while riding.
· Ensure your e-scooter or e-bike is well maintained, with brakes, lights and tyres in good working order.
· Follow the rules of the road and be mindful of pedestrians and other road users at all times.
Emergency Departments provide care for people with serious illness and injury every day. By taking simple precautions and riding responsibly, everyone can help prevent avoidable injuries, protect themselves and others, and reduce unnecessary presentations to emergency care.