Statistics Related to Electric Scooter Use & Accidents

Electric scooters have become increasingly common in the past few years as a means of green and efficient transportation. However, with this new mode of transportation comes new dangers. Electric scooter accidents have been on the rise, and many of them are serious.

Did someone's negligence lead to you being injured while riding an electric scooter? The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC provide immediate legal help for accident victims like you.

Call our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal advice and schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Electric Scooter Accidents Statistics

Electric scooters are now a common sight in many cities, but they are also becoming more and more dangerous.

Increased Number of Injuries

According to a JAMA Surgery study, the United States has experienced an alarming surge in injuries from e-scooter accidents. There were 4,583 injuries in 2014, increasing to 14,641 in 2018.

Also concerning is the spike in the age-adjusted injury rate. From 2014 to 2018, the age-adjusted injury rate increased 222%, from 6 accidents per 100,000 people to 19 accidents per 100,000 people.

There was also a 365% increase in emergency department visits. Since so many people had to go to the emergency departments, it indicates that the accidents were serious. Many of these cases involved operative orthopaedic injuries.

Head Injuries and Broken Bones

Most of the people who went to the emergency departments because of an electric scooter accident reportedly had a head injury. Head and dental injuries are especially dangerous because they can lead to long-term health problems or even death. Injuries to the upper and lower limbs are also common.

The researchers found that only 5% of the injured individuals wore a helmet. Almost a third of all patients had head injuries, most of them requiring emergency department visits.

The medical records collected from electric scooter accidents in 2018 showed that 32% of the individuals had injuries in the lower extremities of their bodies. Meanwhile, 10% were injured in the torso, 32% had head injuries, and 26% had injuries in the upper extremity.

The study also showed that people aged 18 to 34 are more likely to be involved in e-scooter accidents. The hospital admissions for this age bracket increased by 354% from 2014 to 2018.

In these four years, almost 40,000 people needed treatment due to electric scooter accidents.

Type of Accidents and Injuries

Research shows that some types of accidents are more common than others. The three most common types of accidents in e-scooter usage are falling off the scooter, being hit by a car, and hitting an object.

A study by the JAMA Network Open journal focused on the common types of injuries and accidents of electric scooter riders. The overall results indicated that injuries varied among age groups and also depended on helmet use, including:

• Fractures are the most common type of electric scooter injury bringing riders to the emergency department, with 40.2% of electric scooter riders fracturing one or more bones.
• The second most common type of injury is head trauma. 31.7% of the electric scooter riders experience head trauma, mainly due to the absence of a helmet.
• Meanwhile, the third common type of injury is bruises, cuts, and sprains, implicated in 27.7% of thee-scooter accidents.
• Falls are the most common electric scooter accidents, as 80.2% of fall-related accidents occurred in the area covered by the study's scope.
• 8% of the riders are hit by a moving object or a vehicle.
• 0% of the accidents occurred as a result of the riders colliding with an object, resulting in ane-scooter injury.

The study also found that only 4.4% of the scooter riders were wearing a helmet at the time of the injury. Most studies found a lack of helmet use when using personal mobility devices.

Helmet Use

Many rental companies allow people to rent e-scooters for a day or a few hours, riding around the city for leisure or necessity. Research shows that 94% of people riding rental e-scooters do not wear a helmet, believing e-scooters are a safe mode of transport.

About 9 out of 10 people riding stand-up electric scooters or other e-scooters don't wear a helmet.

Head trauma is among the common types of e-scooter-related injuries. There is sufficient evidence to show that wearing helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.

Not Wearing a Helmet

Other e-scooter-related injuries caused due to not wearing a helmet include bone fractures and neck trauma.

Some states have laws that require people riding e-scooters to wear helmets, but in most cases, these laws are not enforced. For example, all minors have to wear a helmet in California.

There are many reasons why people don't wear helmets when riding e-scooters. Some believe that it is not necessary because they are going at a slow speed. Others find it inconvenient to carry around a helmet with them.

Another study showed that in car accidents involving e-scooters, scooter riders sustained injuries in 93% of the cases. It's mainly because a car driver is protected by the car itself, while electric scooter users are not.

So even if you are a careful driver, you can't rely on other people to be as cautious. Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect yourself when riding an e-scooter.

Rent a Scooter and a Helmet

Many e-scooter companies allow you to rent a helmet when you rent the scooter. However, it is always better to bring your own helmet to ensure it fits properly.

Make sure the helmet you choose meets safety standards and properly covers your head. Avoid wearing a loose-fitting helmet as it can come off in an accident.

It is also important to wear the helmet correctly. The straps should be tightened so that the helmet doesn't move around when you are riding. Even if you get a standing electric scooter, it's imperative to get a helmet with it.

Government Study (Austin, Texas)

A study about electric scooter accidents by the Texas government and the Centers for Disease Control revealed many aspects of these accidents, including the common injuries, effect on other road users, and age group of people impacted by them.

Injuries by Age Group

The study found that people aged 18 to 29 had the most injuries. Meanwhile, those aged 60 to 69 had the least injuries.

Out of the 190 injured riders, 183 were alone on their electric scooters. It indicates that shared e-scooters are not as common on the road and have a lower impact on other road users.

Types of Injuries

Results showed that nearly half the electric scooter riders had head injuries, such as abrasions, lacerations, and fractures. Moreover, 70% of the injured riders had injuries to the upper limbs, such as shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands.

About 55% of the injured e-scooter riders sustained damage to the lower limbs, including legs, feet, ankles, and knees. Meanwhile, 18% sustained injuries to the chest or abdomen.

Nearly 3% of the electric scooter injuries were head fractures, which is one of the most lethal types of injury. The study also found that almost 80% of the electric scooter injuries were severe.

The injuries included:

• Severe bleeding
• Sustained organ damage
• Hospitalization for more than 48 hours
• Ligament, tendon, or nerve injuries
• Bone fractures

Types of Electric Scooter Accidents

Electric scooters have become popular in recent years as a means of short-distance transportation.

However, with this increase in popularity has come an increase in the number of scooter-related accidents. Here are some of the most common accident types involving electric scooters:

Scooter vs. Walking (Pedestrian)

One of the most common types of accidents involving electric scooters is when a scooter rider collides with a pedestrian. These accidents can happen when a scooter rider is moving on the sidewalk and hits a pedestrian or when a scooter rider is riding in the street and hits a pedestrian crossing the street.

In either case, the pedestrian is likely to be injured more severely than the scooter rider because they are not protected by the scooter.

Collision With an Object

If a scooter collides with an object, such as a parked car, the rider can be seriously injured.

Scooter riders should be aware of their surroundings and avoid riding in areas where there are obstacles that could cause them to crash.

Falling Off the Scooter

Another common type of accident involving electric scooters is when the rider falls off the scooter. Such an accident occurs when the scooter hits a bump in the road or if the rider is not experienced in riding the scooter.

Head injuries, such as concussions, are common in this type of accident.

Riders should wear proper safety gear, such as a helmet, to avoid injury in a fall and to follow the posted speed limit. Helmet use can protect you from trauma to the head.

How to Avoid Electric Scooter Accidents?

It's very important for riders to be aware of their surroundings and to be cautious while riding an electric scooter. Here are some tips to avoid serious injury in a fall accident:

Wear a Helmet and Protective Gear

Always wear a helmet while riding to protect your head in the event of a fall. Make sure the helmet fits properly and isn't too loose or tight on your head. Here are some things to look for in a helmet:

• Strap: The straps should be adjustable so that you can tighten or loosen them as needed.
• Visibility: Choose a helmet that's bright and visible. It will help motorists see you, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

In addition to a helmet, it's also a good idea to wear protective equipment such as elbow pads and knee pads to minimize the risk of injuries if you fall off your scooter.

Ride in the Right Direction

A scooter rider should always ride in the direction of traffic. It will make you more visible, preventing potential accidents. Moreover, you should ride on the street instead of on the sidewalk to eliminate the risk of bumping into pedestrian traffic.

If your city allows electric scooters in bicycle lanes, you may be able to ride there. However, not all cities have a bike lane.

Some states, such as New York, Massachusetts, Colorado, and California, banned e-scooters on expressways and highways. Make sure you follow state regulations to prevent any e-scooter related legal repercussions.

Be Cautious at Intersections

Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for electric scooter riders. Be extra cautious when crossing streets, and be sure to look both ways before proceeding.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Obey all traffic laws while riding your electric scooter. This includes yield signs, stop signs, and traffic lights.

By following the rules, you'll make yourself more predictable and can avoid risky riding.

Don't Share a Scooter

It's best not to share a scooter. If you're tandem riding, make sure both riders are wearing helmets. It's also important that both riders know how to operate the scooter before getting on.

Tandem riding can be dangerous because riding close together increases the risk of collision. If you must share a scooter, make sure that only experienced riders do so.

What to Do Following an E-Scooter Accident

The first step in an e-scooter accident is to check for major and minor injuries sustained by the rider. Be careful when checking the neck and head for signs of injuries.

Even if there are no complaints of pain, it is still advised to see a doctor as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. If the rider is unconscious or unresponsive, do not move them and call for medical assistance right away.

If you have ascertained that the rider is not in immediate danger, you can assess the damage done to both the scooter and any property nearby.

Emergency medical technicians arriving on scene will check for injuries and determine if the rider can be moved.

Contact Authorities

The next step is to contact the relevant authorities and inform them about the accident. If there are no injuries involved, you can exchange insurance data with the other party and file a police report if necessary before leaving the accident scene.

File a Report

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Many have a 24-hour hotline that you can use to make the report.

Be prepared to give them your personal information, the details of what happened, and the names and contact information of any witnesses. The company will then open an investigation into the accident.

The police will ask you some questions about the accident and take down a report. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses at the scene.

Speak With a Lawyer

After you've reported the accident, speak with a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your injuries.

The lawyer will review your case and determine whether you have a valid claim. If you do, they can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.

E-scooters are a relatively new mode of transportation. Sadly, their accident rates are increasing, especially due to the existence of an urban rental program in almost every major city.

Legal Options in Electric Scooter-Related Injuries

E-scooter injuries can be divided into two different types of claims:

• Claimsagainst the scooter company
• Claimsagainst the driver

The victim must prove that scooter company negligence led to their harm. For example, if the company did not properly maintain the scooters, or failed to warn riders of potential hazards, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur.

It may also be possible to hold the driver of the scooter liable if they were acting recklessly or carelessly. For example, if the driver was speeding or not paying attention to the road, they could be held liable for any accidents or injuries that occur.

Here are some possible legal scenarios for e-scooter injuries:

E-Scooters and Vehicles

If e-scooter riders are hit by a car, the driver may be held liable for their injuries. This is because drivers are expected to yield the right of way to pedestrians and scooter riders.

If the driver was speeding, or if they were otherwise driving recklessly, they may be held liable for any accidents that occurred as a result. Meanwhile, if the e-scooter rider swerved into oncoming traffic, they may be held partially or fully liable.

E-Scooters and Property Owners

If an e-scooter rider is injured while riding on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held liable under certain circumstances. For example, if the property owner left a hazardous condition unaddressed, they could be held responsible.

For example, that a rider is injured while riding an e-scooter on a unmarked hazardous sidewalk. If the property owner knew about the dangerous condition and failed to fix or barricade the area, they could be held responsible for the rider’s injuries.

Electric Scooters and Municipalities

Municipalities may also be found liable for injuries that occur on e-scooters. For example, let’s say a municipality fails to maintain the roads in a safe condition, and this leads to an electric scooter accident.

In this case, the municipality may be held vicariously liable for the accidents that occurred due to e-scooters.

E-Scooter Accidents and Pedestrians

Many reported injuries from -scooter accidents involving a pedestrian are broken bones. This is especially true if the pedestrian is knocked down and hit by the e-scooter or if they are hit by the scooter and then fall to the ground.

These can be fatal accidents as the pedestrians are not protected by any safety equipment against the impact of the motorized scooter.

In these cases, it’s likely that the e-scooter riders will be found at fault for the accident. People riding e-scooters are responsible for obeying all traffic laws when driving cars or riding bikes. That means e-scooter riders need to yield to pedestrians, ride in the correct direction on the road, and not weave in and out of traffic.

If you’re a pedestrian who was hit by an e-scooter, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. You might be compensated for the injuries caused as a result of the accident. Some common compensations include loss of income and medical costs.

You may also be compensated for non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

Staying Safe

Electric scooters are a great mode of transport, especially for short-distance traveling. Their use has increased in the wake of the recent wave of sustainability and green movements.

However, it's very important for people riding electric scooters to follow the traffic rules and take active steps to ensure their safety and that of other people on the road.

The electric scooter accident statistics reveal that head trauma and fractures are the most common and concerning types of injury sustained in a motorized scooter accident. Helmet use can prevent these injuries or, at least, lower their impact on the body.

Hire an Electric Scooter Accident Attorney to Resolve Your Compensation Claim

Were you or a loved one involved in an electric scooter accident? You may be entitled to economic and non-economic compensation.

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can work on your behalf to ensure you receive financial compensation for your damages. Let us hold those responsible for causing your injuries legally and financially accountable.

Call our motorcycle accident law firm at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation. We accept all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees until we obtain financial compensation on your behalf.

Resources:

• Electric Scooter Injury Figures
• e-Scooter Injuries