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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Anz Journal of Surgery

Electric Scooter‐Related Deaths in Queensland, Australia

  • Nathan Milne1,2,3
  • Jack Garland1,4
  • Rexson Tse4,5
  • Beng Beng Ong1,2
5 affiliations
  1. 1Forensic Pathology and Coronial Services Brisbane Australia
  2. 2School of Medicine, The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
  3. 3Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University Gold Coast Australia
  4. 4School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University Gold Coast Australia
  5. 5Forensic Pathology and Coronial Services Gold Coast Australia
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Abstract

Background: The use of electric scooters (e‐scooters) has become an increasingly common means of transport in various parts of the world, as an affordable form of short distance transport. However, there are associated problems related to limitations of pre‐existing infrastructure, legislative considerations, and injuries and deaths resulting from their use. There have been numerous studies regarding non‐fatal e‐scooter injuries, but few studies of fatalities.

Methods: This paper reviews all e‐scooter‐related deaths in the state of Queensland, Australia, including deaths resulting from e‐scooter battery fires.

Results: Twenty‐two deaths were recorded between 2019 and October 2025, with 19 resulting from collisions while being ridden, and three resulting from battery fires while they were charging. All collision‐related deaths were of single riders with 16/19 having at least one identified factor as a potential contributor to the accident, including excessive speed, alcohol intoxication and failure to give way. Head injuries were the most common cause of death, and of note there was poor compliance with the legally mandated use of helmets, with 13/19 either not wearing a helmet or wearing one incorrectly.

Conclusion: Deaths from e‐scooters increased between 2019 and 2024 and were usually the result of head injuries in the context of poor helmet compliance and other behavioural characteristics. Further research comparing e‐scooter deaths with other transport modalities is recommended.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{milne2026electric,
  title = {{Electric Scooter‐Related Deaths in Queensland, Australia}},
  author = {Nathan Milne and Jack Garland and Rexson Tse and Beng Beng Ong},
  journal = {Anz Journal of Surgery},
  year = {2026},
  month = aug,
  doi = {10.1111/ans.70915},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.70915},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Electric Scooter‐Related Deaths in Queensland, Australia
AU  - Nathan Milne
AU  - Jack Garland
AU  - Rexson Tse
AU  - Beng Beng Ong
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/08/27
JO  - Anz Journal of Surgery
DO  - 10.1111/ans.70915
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.70915
AB  - Background: The use of electric scooters (e‐scooters) has become an increasingly common means of transport in various parts of the world, as an affordable form of short distance transport. However, there are associated problems related to limitations of pre‐existing infrastructure, legislative considerations, and injuries and deaths resulting from their use. There have been numerous studies regarding non‐fatal e‐scooter injuries, but few studies of fatalities.  Methods: This paper reviews all e‐scooter‐related deaths in the state of Queensland, Australia, including deaths resulting from e‐scooter battery fires.  Results: Twenty‐two deaths were recorded between 2019 and October 2025, with 19 resulting from collisions while being ridden, and three resulting from battery fires while they were charging. All collision‐related deaths were of single riders with 16/19 having at least one identified factor as a potential contributor to the accident, including excessive speed, alcohol intoxication and failure to give way. Head injuries were the most common cause of death, and of note there was poor compliance with the legally mandated use of helmets, with 13/19 either not wearing a helmet or wearing one incorrectly.  Conclusion: Deaths from e‐scooters increased between 2019 and 2024 and were usually the result of head injuries in the context of poor helmet compliance and other behavioural characteristics. Further research comparing e‐scooter deaths with other transport modalities is recommended.
SN  - 1445-1433
SN  - 1445-2197
ER  -