Okhmatdyt doctors sound the alarm over electric scooters
24 September 2025 14:27
Electric scooters are becoming a threat to children: Okhmatdyt doctors are sounding the alarm over the rise in brain injuries. In recent months, doctors have hospitalized a large number of children with traumatic brain injuries due to falls from electric scooters, unicycles, and bicycles. Volodymyr Sydorov, a pediatric surgeon of the highest qualification category and pediatric urologist at the Okhmatdyt National Children’s Hospital, wrote about this on his Facebook page, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“Two-wheeled danger or children who cannot walk. I call them children who can’t walk, because they have been riding two-wheeled or electric vehicles since birth, and all of them without helmets! Over the past few months, a lot of children with craniocerebral injuries of varying severity have been hospitalized at the NSCCH Okhmatdyt because of falls from electric scooters!” the doctor said.
The doctor adds that fractures of arms and legs, damage to internal organs can be saved and cured by doctors. However, brain injuries often have fatal or long-term consequences.
Danger at speed
According to Dr. Volodymyr Sydorov, many children do not use helmets and drive at speeds of 20-25 km/h or more.
“Sometimes we see two or more children on one scooter. I once saw a father carrying two children on an electric scooter who were only holding on to his legs. It’s dangerous!” adds Sydorov.
Traumatic brain injuries often occur due to unstable scooters, uneven roads, stones or potholes. The center of gravity is high, and the inertia of speed increases the risk of severe injuries.
Violating safety rules, attempting to ride two on one scooter, or riding on uneven roads often leads to serious injuries:
- head injuries
- fractures of the arms and legs;
- damage to internal organs;
- in severe cases, lifelong consequences.
Doctors note that brain injuries are often irreversible, and doctors have limited treatment options. Even successful surgeries do not always return full functionality to the child.
Real cases
One of the recent incidents: a girl was riding an electric scooter, fell and hit her head. At first she did not inform her parents, and a few hours later she was found unconscious. A CT scan showed a huge intracranial hematoma. Neurosurgeons saved her life, but the consequences of the injury may be felt for a long time.
The doctors emphasize that every ambulance duty includes patients with injuries from electric scooters, and often several of them per shift.
“Almost on every ambulance duty we see such children, sometimes several per shift. This is a serious problem that requires the attention of parents and society. Friends, this is not intimidation! This is a warning and a request: do not neglect safety rules! Keep an eye on your children! Speak up, explain! Warn them! Take care of yourself and your kids,” adds Sydorov.
Recommendations for parents
Doctors call on parents:
- Do not neglect safety rules and explain them to children.
- Be sure to use helmets and protective equipment.
- Ensure that children do not ride one scooter two by two.
- Monitor road conditions and avoid bumps.
An international problem
The problem of electric scooters among children is not only Ukrainian. According to global medical publications, the increase in injuries among adolescents due to two-wheeled electric vehicles is a global phenomenon.
According to Dr. Sydorov, the warning is aimed at saving the lives and health of children.
