Electric Scooter Injury

In recent years, cities, towns, and college campuses across the United States have witnessed a significant increase in the use of electric scooters (e-scooters), electric bikes (e-bikes), and hoverboards. These electric scooters have rapidly gained popularity, and for good reasons. Their appeal lies in their ability to provide a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, particularly in congested urban areas. The electric motors powering these devices are far more efficient than traditional gasoline engines, converting energy into motion with minimal waste.

The Dual-Edged Sword of Electric Scooter Growth

While these devices offer environmental benefits and ease of use, their widespread adoption has also led to a noticeable rise in serious injuries and fatalities. The very attributes that make e-scooters and e-bikes attractive—such as their speed and ease of access—can also make them dangerous. Riders often reach speeds that, while efficient for commuting, can be hazardous, especially without proper safety precautions. The lack of protective gear, such as helmets and padding, compounds these risks. Additionally, the quiet operation of electric motors can create a stealth hazard, with riders often navigating through traffic and pedestrian areas unnoticed until it’s too late.

The rapid expansion of the electric scooter industry, driven by numerous rental companies vying for market dominance, has made these devices almost ubiquitous. With just a smartphone app, users can unlock an e-scooter or e-bike and be on their way at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. However, this convenience comes with significant safety concerns. The increasing number of injuries and deaths associated with these devices has been highlighted by various studies and reports in recent years. The recent bankruptcy of Bird, a prominent electric scooter company, may signal that the industry’s optimistic projections were overly ambitious, particularly in light of mounting lawsuits related to accidents and equipment failures.

Emergency rooms across the country have seen a surge in cases involving traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), fractures, and internal injuries directly linked to e-scooter and e-bike accidents. This trend is alarming and underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.

The Severity of Injuries and the Data Behind the Concern

A comprehensive study conducted in France involving 5,233 patients treated at a major trauma center revealed that the injuries sustained from e-scooter accidents were as severe as those resulting from bicycle and motorcycle crashes. The study reported a fatality rate of 9.2% for e-scooter-related traffic accidents, closely mirroring the 10% fatality rate for bicycles and the 5.2% rate for motorcycles.

Moreover, data from a 2023 Consumer Product Safety Commission report highlighted a nearly 21% increase in injuries from e-scooters and e-bikes between 2021 and 2022. Shockingly, almost half of all e-scooter injuries recorded from 2017 to 2022 occurred in 2022 alone. The commission also reported 233 deaths, though it acknowledged that these figures might be underreported. Over the five-year period, injuries from electric scooters were responsible for an estimated 360,800 emergency room visits—a significant burden on the healthcare system. Notably, Black consumers accounted for 29% of these injuries, a disproportionate figure considering their 13% representation in the general population, likely reflecting the prevalence of these devices in urban areas.

Factors Contributing to Accidents and Injuries

Understanding the causes behind these accidents is crucial in addressing the associated risks. Several factors contribute to the high incidence of injuries among e-scooter and e-bike users:

– Distractions: Many accidents occur when riders are distracted by smartphones, earbuds, or loud music, impairing their ability to react to road hazards.
– Impaired Operation: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the likelihood of an accident.
– Lack of Training: Many users are inexperienced and lack the necessary skills to operate these devices safely, especially in busy traffic conditions.
– Poor Road Conditions: Hazards such as potholes, wet surfaces, and icy roads can lead to loss of control and subsequent accidents.

The quiet operation of e-scooters and e-bikes poses a unique challenge in traffic, as their silent nature makes them difficult for motorists and pedestrians to detect. This invisibility, coupled with the high speeds these devices can reach, creates a dangerous situation on roads and sidewalks. Additionally, the absence of designated lanes for electric scooters in many cities exacerbates the risk, forcing riders to share space with larger, faster vehicles.

One of the most glaring issues is the lack of helmet use among riders. Despite the well-documented benefits of helmets in reducing head injuries in cyclists and motorcyclists, helmet laws do not extend to e-scooters and e-bikes in many areas. This oversight leaves riders vulnerable to severe head injuries, internal injuries, and fractures—injuries that could be mitigated with proper protective gear.

The Broader Implications and Need for Regulation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted the significant impact of traumatic brain injuries on society. In 2020 alone, there were 64,000 deaths related to head injuries, out of more than 223,000 reported TBIs. The economic burden of these injuries is staggering, with healthcare costs exceeding $40 billion annually. TBI survivors often face long-term complications, including paralysis, seizures, psychological issues, and loss of income, all of which further strain the healthcare system.

Given the rise in e-scooter and e-bike usage, along with the corresponding increase in accidents, we can anticipate a surge in head injuries and related complications. The resulting medical and economic challenges will likely be profound, with billions of dollars in expenses related to the care of injured riders.

A Path Forward: Education, Regulation, and Infrastructure

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, there must be a concerted effort to educate the public on the safe use of e-scooters and e-bikes. Riders need to be made aware of the risks and the importance of wearing helmets and other protective gear. Properly fitted helmets, in particular, could prevent the majority of head injuries, as they have done in cycling and motorcycling.

In addition to education, cities and states must enact regulations to ensure the safe use of electric scooters. This includes revisiting helmet laws and considering mandatory training programs for users. Furthermore, urban planning should incorporate dedicated lanes for these devices to separate them from pedestrian traffic and reduce the likelihood of collisions with motor vehicles.

Finally, ongoing data collection and analysis are essential to understanding and mitigating the risks associated with electric scooters. By studying accident patterns, we can identify specific hazards and develop targeted interventions to enhance safety. The industry itself must also prioritize safety in its product designs, potentially incorporating technology such as sensors to alert riders to approaching vehicles or obstacles.

Through a combination of public awareness campaigns, regulatory measures, and infrastructure improvements, we can create a safer environment for the use of e-scooters and other electric scooters. As these forms of transportation continue to proliferate, it is imperative that we take proactive steps to protect riders and the public at large.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving an electric scooter, bike, or moped contact us for a free legal consultation. You may be entitled to legal compensation for your injuries. Call Goidel & Siegel to speak to an attorney.