Purpose: During the last few years, the number of electric scooter (e-scooter) users has risen to an all-time high. This study aimed to analyze e-scooter related accidents and trauma prevention measures in a large European city (Vienna, Austria).
Methods: This retrospective study comprises a thorough data assessment and analysis of all e-scooter related accidents between 2018 and 2021 at a large level 1 trauma center in Vienna. Based on the data analysis, risk factors were identified, and possible prevention strategies were proposed.
Results: During the observed period, 1337 patients sustained an injury from an e-scooter. Of these, 1230 were injured directly while driving (92%). The remaining 107 patients (8%) were classified as non-driving injuries. 927 injuries involved males (69.3%). The mean age was 32.1 years (range 4-86 years). Of all injured patients, 429 (32.1%) sustained at least one serious injury. The most common injuries included radial head fractures and concussions. Among the accidents treated, the use of protective equipment was sporadic. For example, helmets were worn in only 13.7% of cases. Wearing a helmet reduced the number of head injuries (24% versus 46.8%). In just three years, the number of patients increased 19-fold with a focus in the summer months.
Conclusion: This study shows a substantial and sustained increase in e-scooter accidents with potentially serious injuries. Helmet use was found to be an effective form of head injury prevention. Further options for using protective equipment should be evaluated to improve the safety aspects of riding e-scooters.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00068-024-02594-9 | DOI Listing |
Pediatr Res
December 2024
Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA.
The popularity of eco-friendly electric scooters has led to a rise in significant injuries, especially in adolescents. Teens riding e-scooters are more prone to severe traffic accidents and head injuries compared to those using traditional scooters. Risk-taking behaviors, susceptibility to peer influence, limited road safety experience and a lack of protective headgear exacerbate the risks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSemin Ophthalmol
November 2024
Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
Purpose: Electric scooters (e-scooters) have rapidly become a mainstream method of transportation in the U.S. but there is consequently limited data on their safety profile.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAccid Anal Prev
January 2025
Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences, Division of Vehicle Safety, Chalmers University of Technology, Hörsalsvägen 7, 41258 Göteborg, Sweden. Electronic address:
In recent years, micromobility has seen unprecedented growth, especially with the introduction of dockless e-scooters. However, the rapid emergence of e-scooters has led to an increase in crashes, resulting in injuries and fatalities, highlighting the need for in-depth analysis to understand the underlying mechanisms. While helpful in quantifying the problem, traditional crash database analysis cannot fully explain the causation mechanisms, e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInjury
December 2024
Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL, USA; Department of Surgical Education, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL, USA. Electronic address:
Introduction: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of electric-scooter (E-Scooter) injuries by evaluating the incidence, common mechanisms of injury, clinical outcomes, associated costs, and effective interventions for injury prevention.
Methods: A literature search using PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and ProQuest was performed to identify relevant articles published between July 10, 2014, and July 10, 2024. Outcomes of interest included epidemiologic trends of E-Scooter injuries, common mechanisms of injury, associated risk factors, clinical outcomes, and interventions to decrease E-Scooter injuries.
Pediatr Res
October 2024
University Clinic of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!