Road Traffic Injury Prevention: Standing Electric Scooters

Standing electric scooter (e-scooter) usage has risen dramatically over the last decade. This micromobility option, available for rent in over 150 cities across the nation, has become a popular and affordable method for short-distance travel. This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the existing literature on e-scooter injuries.

Analyses of national registry data demonstrate that there has been a significant increase in injuries and admissions related to e-scooter usage since their widespread adoption. Lacerations, abrasions, extremity fractures, and head injuries are commonly reported. Additionally, over 110 fatalities related to e-scooter incidents occurred nationwide from 2017 to 2022. Despite the emergence of outcomes data, there are few reports of initiatives designed specifically for e-scooter injury prevention and surveillance.

E-scooter injuries contribute a substantial burden to national healthcare costs. Improved coding and surveillance of these injuries can help inform the development of injury prevention efforts.