Concerns over the safety of electric scooters and bikes have intensified following a series of incidents involving young riders in Australia. Gary Flowers, whose daughter Jasmine suffered severe injuries in an e-scooter accident, is speaking out to warn other parents against allowing their children to use these vehicles.
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In January 2025, Jasmine Flowers, then aged 16, was riding an e-scooter on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast when she was involved in a crash that left her with a fractured skull. Despite wearing a helmet, the impact was so severe that it resulted in significant complications, including a potential brain bleed. Doctors at Sunshine Coast University Hospital informed Gary Flowers that the force of the fall had caused Jasmine’s brain to shift within her skull, leading to swelling and bleeding on the opposite side of her head.
Jasmine was placed in an induced coma for four days while her father kept vigil at her bedside. Reflecting on the experience, Gary described it as “the most horrible four days of my life” to reporters from 9News. He provided additional details about Jasmine’s condition, indicating that she was left deaf in one ear, had difficulty closing one of her eyes, and experienced temporary facial paralysis due to the injuries sustained.
Now, more than a year after the accident, Gary has become an outspoken advocate against the purchase of electric scooters and bikes for children. “Don’t buy them, I’m sorry to be blunt,” he stated emphatically. He expressed his desire to prevent other parents from experiencing the trauma of seeing their children critically injured in such accidents. “You don’t ever want to be in the ICU of any hospital when you see your child with half a dozen tubes keeping them alive,” he added, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
While Gary’s plea serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with electric scooters, recent incidents involving other teenagers have compounded concerns over their safety. On 2 June, two additional accidents occurred, with one of the victims, a 15-year-old girl, suffering a fractured skull after crashing her e-scooter in Nairne, Adelaide. She was treated on the scene before being transported to hospital, where her condition was assessed as non-life-threatening.
Earlier that same day, an 18-year-old man was injured in a separate incident in Norwood, when the e-bike he was riding collided with a parked car. According to South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, the incident resulted in a broken leg for the young man, who received a penalty notice for unsafe riding practices.
These recent accidents have sparked dialogue about regulatory measures surrounding the use of electric scooters and bikes. In light of growing safety concerns, the Queensland government previously considered restricting access to these vehicles for children under the age of 16. However, officials have since decided against this ban, allowing children aged 12 to 17 to ride e-scooters and e-bikes as long as they are under parental supervision.
As discussions continue on how best to safeguard young riders, the need for education and awareness regarding safe riding practices has become increasingly apparent. Gary Flowers’ poignant warning serves as a critical reminder for parents to consider the potential risks before allowing their children to ride these increasingly popular modes of transport.
The mounting incidents, alongside Gary’s heartfelt appeal, highlight the urgent need for responsible usage and monitoring of electric vehicles. As more families embrace the convenience of e-scooters and bikes, it is essential that safety remains a top priority to prevent tragic accidents in the future.
At present, authorities in South Australia and Queensland have yet to comment further on the recent incidents or provide additional guidance for families regarding electric vehicle use among children.