An 11-year-old Katy ISD student has died after she was hit by an SUV while riding an e-scooter on Roesner Road just after 5 p.m. Wednesday, renewing concerns among law enforcement and health experts about the risks young people face while riding electric bikes and scooters.
The girl’s death was confirmed after the crash was first reported as breaking news the previous night. Katy ISD said it is providing support staff for anyone who needs it following the student’s death.
Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen said his office is working to educate children, particularly those seen riding scooters while not following safety rules. But he said parents ultimately have responsibility for making sure their children understand the risks.
“It’s tragic that someone lost a loved one because of riding a scooter. Prevent that at all costs,” Rosen said.
Rosen said parents should talk with their children about safety before allowing them to get an electric scooter. He specifically pointed to protective equipment such as helmets and knee pads.
“It’s important they have a discussion with their kids. You should wear a helmet, knee pads,” Rosen said.
Health experts are also raising concerns about the severity of injuries associated with e-scooters and e-bikes. Dr. Elyse Portillo said Texas Children’s Hospital is seeing more children arrive with serious injuries from the motorized vehicles, prompting the hospital to change its trauma guidelines.
“E-bike and e-scooter increased in frequency. And have had to change trauma guidelines with these motorized vehicles,” Portillo said.
Portillo said some of the injuries can be severe and potentially deadly, including broken bones and extensive road rash.
“Having a broken bone, road rash and their entire face is scraped off on these types of vehicles. The amount of fun is not worth the injury of that child,” Portillo said.
Because of the speeds the motorized scooters can reach, doctors believe children younger than 16 should not ride them. Portillo said younger children may not have the physical strength to control the vehicles at their top speeds.
“They don’t have the strength to control these bikes when they are at top speeds,” Portillo said.
Officials acknowledge that electric scooters and bikes are popular, but they hope parents will weigh the potential risks before allowing children to ride. Drivers also have a role to play, particularly when sharing the road with young riders.
“Drivers have to be more cognizant of their surroundings,” Rosen said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children wait until they are old enough to obtain a driver’s permit before riding an e-scooter. The organization also maintains a list of scooters it recommends for families.
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