E-Scooter Accidents: Surgeon Warns Few Seconds Can Decide a Life

Trauma surgeon Harald Widhalm highlights the devastating consequences of e-scooter accidents, emphasizing that a few seconds can determine a person's future quality of life. He recounted the case of a 16-year-old boy who suffered severe injuries after riding a manipulated e-scooter without a helmet or protective gear. The teenager lost control, was thrown from the scooter, and then hit and partially run over by a car, resulting in multiple surgeries and intensive care.

Widhalm explained that typical injuries include head and facial trauma, such as skull-brain injuries and fractures of the face, jaw, and teeth, often from falling over the handlebars. Wrist and forearm fractures are also common due to instinctive attempts to break falls. The severity escalates with higher speeds or collisions with cars, potentially leading to polytrauma requiring extensive rehabilitation.

The surgeon stressed that these accidents place a significant burden not only on the injured and their families but also on the healthcare system. He called for more consistent controls and clear consequences for rule violations, stating that preventing any injury benefits both the individual and society. The interview with "Die Presse" underscores the urgent need for greater safety measures and responsible e-scooter use.