It is vital to recognize the risks that you face while riding an e-scooter. These devices have become increasingly popular, but riders are very vulnerable when an accident happens, especially if the collision involves a much larger vehicle. From inclement weather to inexperience and hectic traffic, those using e-scooters become involved in accidents for different reasons.
Sadly, negligent drivers continue to collide with people riding e-scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards. For example, distracted, drowsy and drunk drivers sometimes fail to follow traffic safety guidelines and struggle to see those using e-scooters, and data shows that an increasing number of people need emergency treatment due to accidents.
Data on e-scooter injury accidents
A report published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that between 2017 and 2021, an estimated 117,600 emergency department visits occurred as a result of e-scooter accidents. Furthermore, the number of e-scooter accidents resulting in emergency department visits went up considerably from 2017 (7,700) to 2021 (42,200).
Other types of micromobility products also resulted in many injury accidents, such as hoverboards and e-bikes. The CPSC estimates that from 2017 to 2021, 267,700 emergency department visits occurred as a result of micromobility product accidents.
A closer look at e-scooter injury accidents
The CPSC investigated 307 e-scooter injury accidents that occurred in 2021, and 44% of these emergency department visits involved rental e-scooters. Among those injured, 26% were holding things while riding, 52% wore helmets and 21% reported that the accident occurred in the dark or they had difficulty seeing. Moreover, 74% of these accidents took place on paved roads.
Take a firm stand for your rights if someone’s negligence caused you to suffer an injury while using an e-scooter.