Electric scooters far more dangerous in traffic than motorcycles and bicycles, study finds

Electric scooter riders face significantly higher risks of serious injury than previously thought, with new research revealing they are three times more likely to sustain traumatic brain injuries than motorcyclists. The analysis, based on accident data from 18 cities in England and Wales between 2020 and 2022, found that head injuries constituted over a third of all injuries among adult e-scooter users.

Women were found to be disproportionately affected, involved in about a third more accidents than men and suffering severe injuries more than twice as often. The study also highlighted that 16 percent of those injured were under 18 years old.

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Small wheels easily get caught in holes or curbs, which can cause the rider to lose balance and fall headfirst.

Experts point to design flaws as a major contributing factor, not just rider behavior. The small wheels of e-scooters can easily get caught in potholes or on curbs, leading to a loss of balance and potentially severe forward falls. Alarmingly, less than six percent of riders were observed using helmets.

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Less than six percent of riders used a helmet.

In response to these findings, researchers are advocating for stricter regulations for private e-scooters. Their proposals include mandatory rider education, compulsory helmet use, and technical modifications to enhance vehicle stability. They note that unlike cars and motorcycles, e-scooters have entered the market without mandatory training, despite being motor vehicles.

The British Department for Transport acknowledged the concerning results, stating that insights from trials of rental e-scooters will inform legislation aimed at improving safety.

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The British Department for Transport said the results were worrying and that experiences from the trial use of rental e-scooters would help in passing laws that would make their use safer.