Electric scooter injuries and deaths are rising across the U.S. Experts warn of head trauma, lax regulations, and the need for safer infrastructure. Here’s what you need to know.
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Are Electric Scooters Safe? A Rash of Injuries, Deaths Raises Concerns
SAN FRANCISCO – Electric scooters, once hailed as the future of clean and convenient urban travel, are now under intense scrutiny. As more American cities embrace e-scooter sharing programs and millions of riders hit the streets, emergency rooms across the country are seeing a sharp rise in injuries—and in some tragic cases, deaths.
With 360,800 micromobility-related emergency room visits from 2017 through 2022, nearly half were due to electric scooters. And while the green appeal of these vehicles is undeniable, their safety record is now in question.
🚨 A Deadly Incident That Sparked Nationwide Attention
In July, tragedy struck downtown San Francisco when a 77-year-old pedestrian was fatally hit by an electric scooter. Though police described such incidents as “uncommon,” they’re a stark reminder of the growing dangers surrounding e-scooter usage—not only for riders but for unsuspecting bystanders.
📈 E-Scooter Injuries Are Skyrocketing Nationwide
According to a 2023 Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report:
- 169,300 ER visits between 2017–2022 were linked to e-scooters.
- 111 deaths resulted from scooter accidents—nearly half of all micromobility deaths.
- Injuries increased dramatically from under 30,000 in 2020 to 118,485 in 2023.
While many assume scooters are “low-risk,” emergency physicians like Dr. Eric Cioe-Peña from Northwell Health say they’re seeing a surge in broken wrists, severe concussions, and neck injuries, often from helmetless riders.
“People view scooters as very, very low risk for some reason… but we do see broken wrists, head injuries, neck injuries, cervical injuries.”
— Dr. Eric Cioe-Peña
⚠️ The Illusion of Safety: Why Scooters Feel Safe But Aren’t
There are a few reasons why e-scooters are mistakenly seen as low-risk:
- No licensing or training required
Unlike cars or motorcycles, most scooter riders don’t need any special license or education to hop on and go. - Casual, short-distance usage
Many use scooters for “last mile” trips, thinking that shorter rides equate to less danger. - Helmet use is shockingly low
A small number of riders—as little as 2%—wear helmets, exposing them to serious head trauma in even minor crashes. - Riding on sidewalks and ignoring rules
It’s common to see scooter users weaving through traffic, blowing past stop signs, or illegally riding on sidewalks.
🚗 Cars: The Biggest Threat on the Road
According to transportation experts, cars are the most dangerous variable for e-scooter users. The lightweight design of scooters, combined with limited shock absorption and small wheels, makes them especially vulnerable on uneven roads and in high-traffic areas.
“The center of gravity is higher and the wheels are much smaller. Pavement quality matters a lot more than for bikes.”
— Alex Engel, NACTO
🛣️ Infrastructure: A Missing Safety Link
While many cities have expanded bike lane infrastructure, few offer dedicated scooter lanes, pushing riders onto sidewalks or into dangerous traffic.
As of 2024:
- 130 U.S. cities have scooter-share programs.
- Most riders operate scooters in mixed-traffic areas, often without clear guidance.
- Pennsylvania and Delaware have outright banned scooters on public roads.
Urban planners argue that increased investment in infrastructure—such as protected lanes, better road surfacing, and clear signage—would drastically reduce accidents.
📊 Scooter Market Exploding Despite Concerns
Despite the risks, the e-scooter market is booming:
- Valued at $500 million in 2023
- Projected to grow to $3 billion by 2033 in North America
Rising demand is driven by:
- Younger populations without car licenses
- Tourists seeking convenient local transportation
- City dwellers avoiding traffic congestion and parking hassles
“You have a really cheap avenue to getting access to motorized transportation… it’s very appealing.”
— Joseph Schofer, Northwestern University
👶 Kids, Tourists, and First-Time Riders at Higher Risk
The most vulnerable groups include:
- Children and teens unfamiliar with traffic rules
- Tourists who don’t know the local road layouts
- First-time riders who misjudge braking or handling
One emergency room case in Staten Island involved a helmetless rider thrown over the handlebars after hitting a pothole. He suffered a severe concussion and multiple fractures.
📜 A Patchwork of Scooter Laws—and No One Knows Them
One of the most dangerous aspects of scooter riding is the lack of national regulation:
- Some states cap speeds at 15-20 mph, while others allow up to 25 mph.
- Rules on helmet use, sidewalk riding, and age limits vary wildly.
- Enforcement is minimal, and public education is nearly non-existent.
“A teenager riding a scooter, my sense is they have no obligation to get training… and if there is, there’s no way to enforce it.”
— Joseph Schofer
🏙️ Experts Say: Micromobility Still Has a Place—But Needs Help
Despite the risks, public health and transportation experts don’t want to see e-scooters vanish. In fact, many believe they’re part of a greener, smarter transportation future—if cities act responsibly.
“They help decrease congestion… I think we need more infrastructure to help support riders.”
— Dr. Ben Breyer, UCSF
Suggested solutions include:
- Mandatory helmet laws
- Public education campaigns
- Incentivizing rider training
- Dedicated scooter infrastructure
- Increased city oversight
🌟 FAQ: Are Electric Scooters Safe?
❓Are electric scooters more dangerous than bikes?
Yes. While both pose injury risks, e-scooters have smaller wheels, less stability, and are more prone to tipping or crashing on uneven surfaces. ER data shows scooters account for significantly more injuries than e-bikes.
❓Do most e-scooter injuries happen to riders or pedestrians?
Most injuries happen to riders, not pedestrians. Head injuries from falling or collisions are the most common, especially among those not wearing helmets.
❓Are there any cities that banned e-scooters?
Yes. Delaware and Pennsylvania have banned e-scooters from public roads. Some cities have restrictions, while others encourage their use through regulated sharing programs.
❓Do I need a helmet to ride an e-scooter?
In most places, helmets are recommended but not required. However, doctors strongly advise wearing one—especially since the majority of scooter deaths involve head trauma.
❓Why are scooter injuries increasing so rapidly?
The rise is due to:
- More widespread usage
- Lack of helmet use
- Inadequate infrastructure
- Lax regulations and enforcement
- Inexperienced or reckless riders
🔚 Conclusion: The Road Ahead for E-Scooter Safety
Electric scooters offer a glimpse into the future of urban mobility—fast, affordable, and eco-friendly. But with freedom comes responsibility.
Until riders commit to safe practices, and cities invest in proper infrastructure and regulation, e-scooters will remain a risky ride.
Whether you’re a city planner, rider, or just a concerned pedestrian, the conversation about scooter safety is no longer optional—it’s urgent.
