The NSW Government will shortly consider a report from a parliamentary inquiry into e-scooters including a recommendation to legalise both private and shared hire e-scooters and allowing them to be used on footpaths. At present, children under the age of 16 are prohibited from riding e-scooters on the footpath. The head of trauma at the Westmead Children’s Hospital Dr Soundappen said this week he was shocked at the number of children being admitted for injuries from e-scooters and e-bikes, up 400 percent in just 12 months. Dr Soundappen said most of the injuries came from e- scooters and nearly two thirds of the children were not wearing a helmet. There is now considerable concern in the community, especially from the elderly, at the prospect of being hit by an e-scooter and I hope the Government gives it plenty of thought when the parliamentary inquiry is handed down in May. I’m David Berthon

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