Understanding Electric Scooter Fatalities: What You Need to Know

Electric scooters have rapidly surged in popularity across urban landscapes, offering a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, with their rise in usage, there has also been a concerning increase in accidents, some of which have resulted in fatalities. Understanding the statistics, causes, and prevention methods is essential for anyone who rides or plans to ride an electric scooter.

Electric Scooter Fatality Statistics

The number of people who have died from electric scooter accidents has become a growing concern as adoption of these devices has expanded nationwide. While precise global statistics can be challenging to ascertain due to varying reporting practices, regulatory agencies and research institutions have compiled increasingly comprehensive data.

Overall Fatality Numbers

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), they are aware of 233 deaths associated with micromobility devices from 2017 through 2022, though reporting is ongoing and the actual number may be higher. More specifically, in 2023 alone, the total number of micromobility-related fatalities reached 117.

Early data from 2018 to 2020 documented at least 27 reported deaths linked specifically to electric scooters, based on information gathered from police reports, medical examiner records, and news reports. However, this number has grown significantly as scooter usage has expanded and data collection has improved.

Injury Trends

Beyond fatalities, the injury statistics paint an equally concerning picture:

• There were an estimated 360,800 emergency department visits related to all micromobility devices from 2017 through 2022


• E-scooter accidents rose from 7,700 in 2017 to 40,400 in 2023


• Injuries associated with all micromobility devices increased nearly 21% in 2022 from 2021


• E-scooter injuries continue to show year-over-year increases, rising 22% in 2022 from 2021


• From 2017 to 2021, injuries spiked 127% to 77,200 for micromobility devices

Death Rates Per Mile Traveled

When examining death rates relative to distance traveled, early data from the U.S. suggested that e-scooters have a fatality rate between 2.25 and 5 deaths per 100 million miles. For comparison, bicycles have an estimated death rate of approximately 2.25 deaths per 100 million miles in major cities, while UK data shows approximately 1 cyclist death per 35 million miles.

While these rates appear similar, injury rates show more significant differences. Emergency department presentation rates per million miles traveled citywide are higher among e-scooter riders than cyclists, with an estimated 180 injuries per million miles for e-scooters compared to significantly fewer for bicycles.

Factors Contributing to Fatalities

Understanding why fatal accidents occur is crucial for prevention. Research has identified several key risk factors that contribute to the severity and frequency of electric scooter fatalities.

Motor Vehicle Collisions

80% of fatal crashes involving e-scooters occur in collisions with cars. More specifically, research shows that 86% of fatal crashes involved motor vehicles, with 28% being hit-and-run incidents. The majority of these fatal cases (81%) took place at night, when visibility is reduced and detection of scooters by motorists is more difficult.

Head Trauma

70% of fatalities are driven by head trauma, highlighting the critical importance of helmet use. Studies have shown that among alcohol-intoxicated patients involved in scooter accidents, 92% sustained injuries to the head or face, demonstrating the vulnerability of riders' heads during accidents.

Notably, approximately 96% of injured riders in a UCLA study were not wearing helmets at the time of their accident, representing a tragic missed opportunity for injury prevention.

Alcohol Consumption

Driving under the influence is the top contributing factor to e-scooter crashes. Among injured riders who were tested for alcohol, 48% were above the legal limit. The combination of impaired judgment, reduced reaction times, and decreased balance makes alcohol consumption particularly dangerous for scooter riders.

Rider Behavior and Inexperience

Crashes are predominantly caused by rider behavior rather than equipment failure:

• One-handed steering significantly increases crash risk


• Riding in a group creates hazards through distraction and coordination issues


• Reckless riding, including speeding or weaving in and out of traffic, dramatically increases accident risk


• Many accidents involve new riders who may not be familiar with handling the scooters, leading to mishaps

Infrastructure Challenges

Physical environment plays a substantial role in scooter safety:

• Transitioning between different surface types can increase crash risk by up to 60 times


• Even common transitions between sidewalks and roadways through curb cutouts can double crash risk


• Poor road conditions like potholes and cracks can cause riders to lose control


• Busy streets and lack of dedicated lanes lead to dangerous interactions between scooters and larger vehicles

Environmental Conditions

Adverse environmental conditions like precipitation and fog were present in 43% of fatal cases. Rain, snow, and other adverse weather make roads slippery, significantly increasing accident likelihood. Some scooters can reach speeds up to 15-20 mph, which becomes particularly dangerous in congested areas or poor weather conditions.

Mechanical Failures

While less common than rider-related factors, faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning motors are frequent culprits in accidents. Regular maintenance and choosing scooters from reputable manufacturers with quality components can mitigate this risk.

Demographics of Fatalities and Injuries

Children 14 years and younger accounted for about 36% of micromobility injuries from 2017 to 2022, representing a disproportionate share compared to their population percentage (approximately 18% of the U.S. population). This highlights the particular vulnerability of younger riders who may lack the judgment and experience necessary for safe operation.

Injured e-scooter users tend to be more diverse, including a higher proportion of women and minorities, and are typically younger than bicyclists and e-bike users.

Safety Measures and Recommendations

To mitigate the risks associated with electric scooter use, implementing comprehensive safety measures is crucial. These recommendations are based on data showing what actually prevents injuries and saves lives.

Essential Protective Equipment

Helmets: Helmets are the most critical piece of safety equipment, protecting riders' heads from severe impact and potential traumatic brain injuries. Even a small accident or fall at speed poses the risk of serious head or brain injury. Given that 70% of fatalities involve head trauma and 96% of UCLA study participants weren't wearing helmets, this single piece of equipment represents the greatest opportunity for reducing deaths.

Use CPSC-certified bike helmets at minimum, with full-face helmets recommended for high-traffic or high-speed environments.

Additional Protective Gear: When falling off an electric scooter in a collision or otherwise, it's very common to hurt your wrists, knees, and elbows as these parts are likely to hit the ground first to break your fall. Essential gear includes:

• Knee pads


• Elbow pads


• Wrist guards


• Gloves to protect hands and improve grip


• Eye protection for high-speed riding


• High-visibility clothing with reflective features, especially for nighttime riding

Behavioral Safety Practices

Adopt safe riding behaviors to dramatically reduce accident risk:

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs (48% of tested injured riders were above legal limits)


• Always use both hands on handlebars


• Avoid riding in groups where coordination becomes difficult


• Reduce speed in congested areas, poor weather, or unfamiliar terrain


• Stay vigilant at night (81% of fatal crashes occur after dark)


• Familiarize yourself with the scooter's operation before riding in traffic


• Follow all traffic laws and signals

Infrastructure and Route Selection

• Use dedicated bike lanes whenever possible


• Avoid roads with speed limits above 35 mph


• Exercise extreme caution at surface transitions (sidewalk to street, different pavement types)


• Stay away from areas with heavy car traffic, especially at night


• Be mindful of road conditions and avoid potholes, cracks, and debris

Equipment Selection and Maintenance

Choosing quality equipment and maintaining it properly can prevent mechanical failures:

• Select scooters from reputable manufacturers with proven safety records


• Choose models with quality braking systems (dual brakes preferred)


• Ensure adequate lighting for front and rear visibility


• Consider suspension systems for better stability on varied terrain


• Perform regular maintenance checks on brakes, tires, and electrical systems


• Replace worn components before they fail

US-based manufacturers like Levy produce lightweight yet durable scooters with advanced safety features including quality braking systems and reliable components. Their swappable battery packs also eliminate the fire risks associated with integrated batteries that can't be easily removed for inspection or replacement.

Regulatory Measures

Supporting and complying with sensible regulations helps create safer environments for all:

• Implementing and enforcing speed limits in appropriate zones


• Creating dedicated lanes for electric scooters and micromobility devices


• Requiring helmets, especially for younger riders (though recommended for all)


• Mandating safety equipment like lights and reflectors


• Establishing clear rules about where scooters can and cannot be ridden


• Providing thorough rider training and awareness programs

Manufacturer Responsibility

Manufacturers can contribute to safety through:

• Building scooters with speed governors appropriate for urban environments


• Including comprehensive safety instructions and warnings


• Using quality components that won't fail prematurely


• Designing scooters with stability features that reduce fall risk


• Implementing automatic lighting that turns on at dusk


• Providing safety equipment like helmets with purchase

Comparison with Other Transportation Modes

While electric scooter safety concerns are valid, it's important to maintain perspective:

• Death rates per mile (2.25-5 per 100 million miles) are comparable to or slightly higher than bicycles


• Motor vehicles have a different injury profile but remain a leading cause of transportation-related deaths


• Walking, while generally safer per mile, still results in thousands of pedestrian fatalities annually

The goal isn't to discourage electric scooter use, but to ensure it's done safely with proper precautions that can prevent the majority of serious accidents.

The Path Forward

Electric scooters offer a promising alternative to traditional transportation methods, providing environmental benefits and practical mobility solutions for urban areas. However, the statistics make clear that safety must be a priority.

Recent data shows:

• 117 micromobility-related fatalities in 2023 alone


• 40,400 e-scooter accidents in 2023, up from 7,700 in 2017


• 360,800 emergency department visits from 2017-2022

These numbers represent real people and families affected by preventable tragedies. The good news is that many of these accidents are avoidable through simple measures:

• Wearing helmets (96% of injured riders weren't wearing them)


• Avoiding alcohol while riding (48% of tested injured riders exceeded legal limits)


• Riding during daylight when possible (81% of fatalities occurred at night)


• Using proper protective equipment


• Choosing quality scooters from safety-focused manufacturers

Conclusion

Understanding electric scooter fatalities is essential for both current and potential users. The statistics are sobering: 233 deaths from 2017-2022, with 70% involving head trauma and 80% occurring in collisions with motor vehicles. However, these numbers also point to clear prevention strategies.

Local governments, manufacturers, and users must work together to ensure the safe integration of electric scooters into daily life. This means:

• Governments creating appropriate infrastructure and enforcing sensible regulations


• Manufacturers building safe, reliable equipment with quality components


• Riders taking personal responsibility by wearing helmets, avoiding alcohol, and following traffic laws

With proper precautions, electric scooters can serve as a safe, sustainable, and practical transportation option. The choice to ride safely isn't just about personal protection—it's about demonstrating that micromobility can be integrated into our transportation ecosystem without tragic consequences.

By learning from the statistics, understanding the risks, and implementing proven safety measures, we can significantly reduce avoidable fatalities and ensure that electric scooters remain a viable option for urban transportation. The data shows us what doesn't work—now it's up to each rider, manufacturer, and community to apply what does work to create a safer future for all road users.