Injuries to Electric Scooter and E-Bike
According to a recent study, the number of injuries to e-scooter and e-bike riders has increased significantly. The rate of head injuries accounted for nearly a third of scooter injuries last year. The rate of head injuries among riders was twice as high as that of cyclists. In addition, the number of hospital admissions for scooter-related injuries increased by as much as 300% from 313 in the previous year to 1,374 last year.
According to a McKinsey report, e-scooter riders suffered from nine injuries out of 10 cases. Because these scooters are accessible to a wide range of users, injuries are likely to continue to rise. Currently, safety regulations for e-scooter riders are minimal. Until these regulations are in place, operators will likely continue to see an increase in injuries.
Drivers of automobiles pose a serious hazard for e-scooter and e-bike riders. Many motor vehicles fail to yield when turning or yielding at an intersection. Additionally, drivers may not yield when turning, opening doors, or drift onto the shoulder. These risks can lead to serious injuries, including fatalities, unless the car operator obeys traffic signals.
While accidents involving e-scooter and e-bike riders are increasing exponentially, many of these injuries can be avoided by educating riders and the public. While injuries are inevitable, the company is working on ways to reduce them and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries. Among the suggested measures: mandating helmets, expanding designated bike lanes and curbing reckless behavior.
Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) show that e-scooter and e-bike riders are significantly more likely to suffer serious injuries than bicyclists. However, only 2 percent of riders wearing helmets were treated in emergency rooms. Despite these statistics, riders should still follow safety guidelines such as not speeding, and traveling at a moderate speed.
Injuries to Electric Scooter and E-Bike Riders on the Rise
According to the CDC, e-scooter and e-bike accidents are more than double the rate of bicycle and car crash injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a study to determine the extent of electric scooter and e-bike injuries in a particular area. However, it found that riders were more likely to sustain head injuries compared to non-rider pedestrians. Most of the injuries were the result of distracted or inattentive drivers.
Electric scooters are an exciting and convenient way to travel in the inner city, but they also pose a serious safety risk. Electric scooters are prone to head, upper extremity, and lower extremity injuries, but injuries to the chest and abdomen are uncommon. While the overall rate of injuries is relatively low, the most common mechanism of injury seems to be falls. Additionally, the low helmet usage rates among electric scooter users may contribute to head injuries.
Although electric scooters and e-bikes may not pose any major safety risks, some drivers are not accustomed to seeing the electric scooters or bicycles on the road. As a result, it’s important to follow the rules of duty of care when driving and to double-check mirrors before making right turns. Even the simplest safety precautions can save lives.