Understanding the Risks: Why Electric Scooters Can Be Dangerous

Electric scooters have surged in popularity as a convenient, eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, this convenience can come with its own set of risks. Understanding these potential dangers is crucial for ensuring safe riding, especially given recent data showing that micromobility-related injuries have trended upward since 2017, increasing an estimated average of 23% annually.

Injuries associated with all micromobility devices increased nearly 21% in 2022 from 2021, with e-scooter injuries rising by 22% in the same period. From 2017 through 2022, there were an estimated 360,800 emergency department visits related to all micromobility devices. In 2022 alone, there were over 14,000 e-scooter related injuries reported in the United States.

Common Risks and Dangers

Lack of Protective Gear

Many riders opt to use electric scooters without the necessary protective gear, such as helmets or knee pads. This significantly increases the risk of injuries in case of an accident. Emergency room data reveals that only 4.4% of injured riders were documented to be wearing a helmet at the time of their accident.

Studies show a significant reduction in head injuries among helmeted electric scooter riders, yet helmet usage is noticeably lower among electric vehicle users. This is particularly concerning since approximately 30% of e-scooter injuries involve head trauma, and head and face injuries represent 40.2% of all e-scooter emergency room visits.

Inexperienced Riders

Scooters are often marketed as being easy to use, which can lead to inexperienced riders taking them on public roads without adequate training or practice. This lack of experience can result in accidents, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic.

A UCLA study involving 1,354 injured patients found that the estimated injury rate amounts to 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter trips. Of these patients, 72 were admitted to the hospital, 21 were sent to the critical care unit, and two died from their injuries.

Road Conditions

Electric scooters are highly sensitive to road conditions. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and wet roads can lead to loss of control. Moreover, their small wheels offer less stability compared to larger vehicles, making road surface irregularities particularly hazardous.

The most common injuries resulting from these conditions are fractures (31.7% of all injuries), with ankle fractures being most frequent (11.7%), followed by tibial shaft fractures (10.2%), tibial plateau fractures (9.5%), and radial head fractures (8.0%).

High Speeds and Low Visibility

Scooters can reach speeds of up to 20 mph, which, in combination with their compact size and often poor visibility, can pose a problem in traffic. Motorists may not see scooter riders until it's too late.

Many electric scooters are equipped with headlights and taillights to ensure visibility in low-light conditions, and reflective materials enhance the scooter's visibility to other road users. However, rider behavior remains a critical factor in preventing accidents.

Mechanical Failures

Just like any vehicle, scooters can experience mechanical failures. Brake malfunctions or electrical issues might not always be easily detectable and could lead to unsafe riding conditions. One of the most important safety features is the braking system, with electric scooters typically having mechanical or electronic brakes that help riders quickly and effectively stop when needed.

Risky Behaviors

Risky behaviors, such as riding under the influence, are more prevalent among e-scooter users than many realize. Emergency room research found that alcohol was involved in 42.9% of documented cases where substance use was tracked, highlighting a significant contributing factor to accidents.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

In many places, the regulatory framework for electric scooters is still evolving. Riders may unknowingly violate traffic laws, risking fines and increasing the risk of accidents due to uncertain road-sharing rules.

Injury Statistics and Trends

Emergency Department Data

Research tracking emergency department visits over a 34-month period documented 3,331 patients with e-scooter injuries. Notably, there was a 6-fold increase in e-scooter-related injuries presenting to the ED, from an average of 26.9 injuries per month before the introduction of shared e-scooter services in August 2018 to an average of 152.6 injuries per month afterward.

Common Injury Types

• Fractures: 31.7% of all injuries


• Head injuries: 40.2% of emergency room visits


• Soft-tissue injuries: 27.7% of all injuries


• Contusions and abrasions: Second most common injury type

The most frequently injured body areas are the upper and lower limbs, as well as the head and neck.

Hospitalization and Surgery Rates

Of emergency room visits, 8.9% of patients required hospitalization following the initial encounter, with 42.6% of hospitalized patients sent to the orthopedics department. A total of 462 operations were performed within 7 days of emergency department arrival, and 77.5% of these were orthopedic surgeries.

Demographics

Children 14 years and younger accounted for about 36% of micromobility injuries from 2017 to 2022, double their 18% proportion of the U.S. population. 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 Improvements and Technology

Battery Safety

Battery safety has become a critical concern in the electric scooter industry. The battery management system (BMS) is essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of batteries, controlling charge and discharge cycles, monitoring battery health, and averting potential risks.

Modern BMS technology provides several critical protections:

• Prevents overcharging which may result in explosions or fires


• Isolates malfunctioning cells and detects short circuits


• Monitors temperature and automatically shuts off if overheating occurs

LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) batteries are emerging as a safer alternative for electric scooters because they are not prone to causing fires and offer better fire safety and consumer peace of mind. While most manufacturers currently use NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) cells for their high energy density and long-range capabilities, NMC cells can be hazardous if mishandled or abused.

Leading manufacturers, including US-based brands like Levy, prioritize battery safety by incorporating swappable, removable high-end battery packs with advanced safety features. This approach not only enhances safety but also extends the practical lifespan of the scooter.

Safety Certifications

UL2271 certification represents the gold standard for lithium-ion batteries used in light electric vehicles, ensuring batteries meet stringent safety, performance, and environmental standards. Since New York City mandated UL safety standards in 2023, the rate of injuries and deaths from e-mobility fires has started to slow, demonstrating the real-world impact of proper certification.

Built-in Safety Features

Quality electric scooters incorporate multiple safety features to prevent accidents:

• Advanced braking systems (mechanical or electronic) for quick, effective stopping


• Headlights and taillights for visibility in low-light conditions


• Reflective materials to enhance visibility to other road users


• Suspension systems providing smoother, more stable rides and reducing accident risk from road bumps


• Technology that can automatically slow scooters in high-traffic zones

US-based manufacturers like Levy have built reputations for producing extremely lightweight yet durable scooters that blend performance and value without compromising safety. The lightweight construction makes these scooters easier to control while maintaining structural integrity.

Safety Measures and Best Practices

Essential Pre-Ride Checks

Pre-ride inspections ensure the brakes are responsive, the tires are adequately inflated, and the battery has enough charge for your trip. These simple checks promise a smoother ride and help sidestep unexpected problems along the way.

Protective Gear

To minimize risks, riders should always wear appropriate protective gear:

• CPSC-certified bike helmet (minimum standard)


• Full-face helmets for high-traffic or high-speed environments


• Knee and elbow pads


• Gloves to protect hands and improve grip


• Reflective clothing to enhance visibility


• Eye protection (goggles or cycling sunglasses) for high-speed riding

Safe Riding Practices

Adopting safe riding practices can go a long way in preventing accidents and injuries:

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


• Adhere to local traffic regulations and speed limits


• Avoid riding under the influence of alcohol or substances


• Stay in designated bike lanes or appropriate roadways


• Reduce speed in high-traffic areas or poor road conditions


• Maintain awareness of road conditions and potential hazards


• Ensure visibility with proper lighting and reflective gear

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the scooter is vital to ensure its safe operation. This includes checking brake function, tire condition and inflation, battery health and connections, lights and reflectors, and overall structural integrity.

Choosing a Safer Scooter

When selecting an electric scooter, prioritizing safety features can significantly reduce risk:

• Look for UL2271-certified battery systems


• Choose models with advanced BMS technology


• Opt for scooters with quality braking systems (dual brakes preferred)


• Select models with adequate lighting (front and rear)


• Consider suspension systems for better stability


• Choose reputable manufacturers with proven safety records

Brands that focus on quality construction, like Levy and other leading North American manufacturers, often incorporate these safety features as standard, providing better value and peace of mind for riders.

Future Safety Technologies

The electric scooter industry continues to evolve with promising safety innovations on the horizon:

• Solid-state batteries and graphene-based batteries for increased energy density and reduced fire risk


• Automatic emergency braking systems


• Collision detection technology


• Lane-keeping assistance features


• Adaptive headlights that adjust to riding conditions


• Enhanced battery thermal management systems

Conclusion

Electric scooters can be a fun and efficient way to navigate city streets, but it's crucial to be aware of the inherent dangers and take proactive steps to ensure personal safety and the safety of others on the road.

Key takeaways for safer electric scooter use:

• Always wear a CPSC-certified helmet and appropriate protective gear (only 4.4% currently do)


• Avoid riding under the influence (alcohol involved in 42.9% of tracked injury cases)


• Perform pre-ride safety checks on brakes, tires, and battery


• Choose scooters with UL2271-certified batteries and advanced safety features


• Follow local traffic laws and ride in designated areas


• Stay aware of road conditions and maintain safe speeds


• Consider investing in quality scooters from reputable manufacturers that prioritize safety

While injuries have increased as e-scooter usage grows, understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions can dramatically reduce your chances of becoming part of these statistics. By choosing quality equipment with proper safety certifications, wearing protective gear, and practicing safe riding behaviors, electric scooters remain a viable and enjoyable transportation option for urban commuters.