Epidemiology and Injury Pattern of E-Scooter Injuries – Initial Results

Abstract

Aim Since the introduction of shared electric scooters in Germany in June 2019, surgeons have been treating injuries caused by these devices. Methods In our Institution, we implemented the first registry to examine the pattern of injuries and to gather epidemiological data on persons injured while riding electric scooters. We conducted a prospective analysis of all patients treated in our Emergency Department for an injury sustained while riding an electric scooter between June 2019 and June 2020. All patients were noted in a registry (E-SCORE = E-Scooter Register). The study was approved by the institutional ethics board. Outcomes were first time of use, injuries, imaging, alcohol and helmet use, age, length of hospital stay and surgical therapy. Results 90 patients were identified. Mean age was 35.6 years (± 15.4); 65.5% were male. We diagnosed 32 fractures and 7 ligament injuries. Injuries to the head were found in 38 patients; 8 had relevant intracerebral or maxillofacial injuries. Alcohol use was noted in 18 (20%) patients, only 2 of whom wore a helmet (2.2%). 29 patients (32.2%) required surgical intervention. Conclusion This study highlights the significant number of head injuries in patients riding electric scooters. Nevertheless, there are also a significant number of injuries to the bones and ligaments, which required surgical treatment. Hardly any of the patients was wearing a helmet and alcohol use was not unusual. In our opinion, scooter related injuries are leading to an growing number of vehicle related injuries and could probably benefit from some legal regulations, such as a blood alcohol limit and recommendation for helmet use. Implementation of a nationwide registry might be useful in evaluating injuries related to electric scooters.

Characteristics of Electric Scooter and Bicycle Injuries After Introduction of Electric Scooter Rentals in Oslo, Norway

“…Only 2.1% of the injured e-scooter riders in our study were wearing a helmet, which is consistent with previous reports . The observed differences between e-scooter riders and bicyclists with respect to helmet use and intoxication are most likely due to several factors, such as the instant availability of rental e-scooters in Oslo.…”

“…Only 2.1% of the injured e-scooter riders in our study were wearing a helmet, which is consistent with previous reports. 3,5,[7][8][9][10][11] The observed differences between e-scooter riders and bicyclists with respect to helmet use and intoxication are most likely due to several factors, such as the instant availability of rental e-scooters in Oslo. As a passive form of transportation, e-scooters require minimal physical effort and no need to change clothing or freshen up after a ride, making them a convenient alternative for unplanned travel.…”

“…1 Shortly after the introduction of e-scooter rentals, it became clear that this new transportation mode came with some downsides, such as a high risk for injuries when used by persons riding while intoxicated and low rates of helmet use among e-scooter riders in general. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] These concerns are also relevant for bicyclists. However, despite the injury risk associated with cycling, bicycle riding overall is positively associated with public health.…”

“…Electric scooter (e-scooter) rentals were introduced in Oslo, Norway, in March 2019 and have become a popular mode of intracity transportation according to the Norwegian Institute of Transport Economics . Shortly after the introduction of e-scooter rentals, it became clear that this new transportation mode came with some downsides, such as a high risk for injuries when used by persons riding while intoxicated and low rates of helmet use among e-scooter riders in general . These concerns are also relevant for bicyclists.…”

Work-related road traffic crashes: emergence of new modes of personal journey. Analysis based on data from a register of road traffic crashes

“…According to a German study, PMD riders perform secondary tasks while riding [45]. More than 13% of bicycle and electric scooter riders in Germany performed secondary tasks, such as wearing headphones or earphones and chatting with another user.…”