Recent research from UC San Francisco highlights a significant increase in injuries related to micromobility devices, such as electric bicycles and scooters, within urban areas. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, is notable for being the first comprehensive analysis of these injury patterns in the U.S. from 2017 to 2022.
The findings reveal a sharp rise in accidents involving these small electric vehicles, with injuries from e-bicycles and e-scooters doubling and increasing by 45%, respectively, during the study period.
The research details a demographic shift among those injured. E-bicycle riders, for instance, have become slightly older and tend to wear helmets less frequently compared to traditional cyclists. E-scooter riders also face distinct risks; they are more prone to internal injuries compared to conventional scooter riders.
In contrast, non-electric scooter riders more frequently suffer from upper extremity injuries. These trends underscore a need for improved safety measures.
Micromobility has surged dramatically, growing 50-fold over the past decade, particularly in urban settings where electric-powered scooters and bikes have become increasingly popular.
These vehicles are favored for their convenience, affordability, and low emissions, offering a solution to urban congestion. However, the rapid increase in their use has led to rising safety concerns, particularly among inexperienced riders.
The researchers utilized data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to assess injury types and helmet usage.
The analysis revealed a stark increase in injuries: e-bicycle injuries rose from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022, while e-scooter injuries surged from 8,566 to 56,847. The study also noted that urban settings see more injuries and that electric vehicle riders are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as riding without helmets or under the influence.
The study’s authors call for a multifaceted approach to address these safety issues, including enhancing urban infrastructure to better support micromobility devices and implementing educational campaigns to promote helmet use and discourage impaired riding.
They stress that as micromobility becomes more integral to urban transport, addressing these safety challenges is essential for ensuring the benefits of these technologies are realized in a secure manner.
