Mother warns of e-scooter dangers: ‘The last place you want to be is in ICU with your child’

A 12-year-old boy from County Cavan suffered severe injuries after falling off an e-scooter in May 2025, prompting his mother to warn about the dangers these devices pose to children. Seana Brennan's son, Mason, was airlifted from Ballyconnell to Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin following the accident, where he underwent surgery to remove part of his skull due to a traumatic brain injury. The incident left him with broken bones and long-term psychological effects, according to Brennan, who shared her experience on a recent episode of the In the News podcast. The accident occurred when Mason was riding on the back of a friend’s e-scooter. He sustained a traumatic brain injury requiring the removal of the right side of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain, along with fractures to his collarbone and toe. After spending five weeks in intensive care, Mason transitioned to a general ward for three weeks before being discharged and starting rehabilitation in Dún Laoghaire. Brennan described her son as "very lucky" to have recovered physically over the past 14 months, though she noted that the mental impact of the incident continues to affect him significantly. According to Brennan, Mason has undergone a noticeable personality transformation since the accident. She explained that while his physical recovery appeared promising, his mental state was deeply affected. “Physically I suppose you thought he was actually doing okay, but mentally he was suffering,” she told podcast presenter Bernice Harrison during the interview. Brennan anticipates that the long-term consequences of the injury will persist throughout Mason’s life. Despite the severity of the incident, Brennan expressed uncertainty about whether a complete ban on e-scooters would be effective. However, she emphasized that the devices are inherently too risky for public roads. Recognizing the common pressure on parents to purchase e-scooters for their children, Brennan urged caution, comparing the practice to placing a child on a motorbike without a helmet. During the same episode of In the News, Irish Times political correspondent Jack Horgan Jones discussed the government’s potential response to the increasing number of incidents involving e-scooters. The conversation highlighted concerns over safety regulations and the need for policy changes to address the growing issue. Brennan’s account underscores the broader debate surrounding e-scooter usage, particularly among young riders. Her personal experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with these vehicles, even when used under seemingly safe conditions. As discussions around regulation continue, the case of Mason Brennan illustrates the real-life consequences faced by families impacted by such accidents. Authorities have yet to announce specific measures aimed at curbing e-scooter-related incidents, but the incident has sparked renewed interest in evaluating current policies. With more cases emerging, experts and policymakers are likely to scrutinize existing laws and consider stricter enforcement or alternative solutions to ensure safer environments for all road users.