E-scooters help Australia's net-zero goals, but medics warn about long-term injuries

Traumatic brain injuries, severe dislocations, and broken bones are some of the injuries Graeme Maw has seen come through the Townsville University Hospital from electric scooter accidents. Key points: A Townsville Hospital emergency physician says around one person a day presents to the hospital with injuries Data shows that 70 per cent of patients with e-scooter injuries are male, with the majority in the 18 to 30-year-old age group The RACQ says a crackdown on non-compliant e-scooter users is needed to improve safety Emergency physician Dr Maw says staff would support a ban on the two-wheeled devices, as new research shows half of the riders are making potentially life-threatening decisions on Queensland roads. He said approximately one person per day was presenting to the hospital with injuries ranging from skin abrasions to significant head trauma. The data showed 70 per cent of patients presenting to the hospital with e-scooter injuries were male, with the majority in the 18–30 age group. The data shows 70 per cent of patients presenting to Townsville University Hospital with e-scooter injuries are male.