Characteristics and costs of electric scooter injuries in Helsinki: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background and purpose: The incidence of electric scooter (e-scooter) injuries has increased drastically in numerous countries after widespread availability of shared e-scooters. Most publications on e-scooter injuries focus on a specific category of injuries. The economic impact on society from a broader perspective has not been studied. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including all e-scooter-related injuries presented in the three adult emergency departments in Helsinki in 2021. We collected the patient data from the university hospital information system. Injury severity was evaluated based on the abbreviated injury score. Cost of the hospital treatment was analyzed based on our hospital district's service price listing. In addition, we recorded the total amount of sick leave days and estimated their economic impact. Results: In total, 446 e-scooter injuries were identified and taken into the analysis (434 affecting riders and 12 non-riders). The median age of the patients was 26 (IQR 22-33) and 59 % were male. 257 (58 %) of the of the injuries were minor, whereas 155 (35 %) were moderate, 30 (7 %) serious, 3 (0.7 %) severe, and one (0.2 %) critical. Furthermore, 220 (49 %) of the patients sustained head injuries. A major spike in accident incidence was seen during weekend (Friday to Sunday) nights, which was accompanied by a proportional increase in patients with alcohol intoxication. Including both the costs of the hospital care and absence from work, the approximated total cost of e-scooter injuries was 1.7 million euros, with a median cost of a single accident being 1148 euros (IQR 399-4263). Interpretation: Comprehensive preventive measures must be conducted to decrease the incidence of e-scooter injuries. The usage of helmets should be strongly encouraged in order to prevent severe head injuries. The night-time bans during weekends and speed-limits on e-scooters appear to be justifiable.

The impact of electric scooters in Melbourne: data from a major trauma service

“…In this context, most operations were performed by orthopaedics, plastic surgery and oral & maxillofacial surgery. This is consistent with other studies demonstrating a high reliance on orthopaedics, plastics or OMFS units for operative management 2,7,19,20,46–48 …”

“…This study demonstrated that 53% of patients sustained some form of upper limb injury and 50% of patients experienced head injuries. These patterns are again consistent with other studies in Australia and international data 7,16–18,20 . Frequently, riders instinctively extend their arms to break a fall and the head may often strike against the ground or collide with an object.…”

“…The pattern of injuries emerging from Melbourne mirrors reported literature. Consistent with multiple other studies, young males constituted the majority of our patients, totalling 69%, and the median age 29.5 years old (range: 15–78) 10,13–16,19,20,28–35 . One systematic review by Singh et al .…”

“…In the present study, 34% of patients used alcohol at the time of their injury. Many studies worldwide have stressed this correlation, such that, in nearly all the conducted e‐scooter injury evaluations, a high proportion of patients are alcohol affected at the time of the accident 7,17,20 . The numbers in Melbourne appear to be on the higher end of this spectrum.…”

“…Despite the potential environmental benefits, e‐scooter usage presents a growing public health concern with an increasing financial burden to local healthcare systems. Studies have attempted to quantify this cost, however, these estimates vary between countries and studies have been heterogenous in their method of cost determination 2,6,11–20 …”