Electric scooter accidents leading to emergency department visits: influence of alcohol and outcomes in Stockholm, Sweden

Head and neck injuries from personal motorised vehicles in the United States

BACKGROUND

The use of personal electric vehicles in the United States has increased head and neck injuries. This study analyses the types, frequencies, demographics and management of these injuries across motorised vehicles.

METHODS

This study uses 2020-2023 data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to analyse injuries from various powered vehicles, incorporating diagnostic, event-related and demographic factors. In addition, the study evaluates non-powered skateboard-related injuries, which provided a comparable baseline for motorised vehicle injuries.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 3721 head and neck injuries: 1359 from scooters, 1743 from skateboards and 619 from hoverboards. Males sustained most injuries, accounting for 64% of scooter accidents, 74% of skateboard accidents and 58% of hoverboard accidents. Hospitalisation was required in 10% of scooter accidents, 9.2% of skateboard accidents and 6.9% of hoverboard accidents. Males, alcohol use and drug use were associated with increased risk of hospitalisation (p=0.00002, p=0.00004 and p<0.00001, respectively). Internal injury (37%) and lacerations (24%) were the most common types of injury. In cases, wear helmets were worn involving helmets, there were no significant differences in hospitalisation rates.

DISCUSSION

These findings underscore the need for improved injury prevention strategies, including more effective helmet designs and infrastructure enhancements, to reduce the growing burden of micromobility vehicle-related head and neck injuries.

CONCLUSION

The rising incidence of head and neck injuries associated with personal mobility vehicles highlights the need for injury management and prevention strategies. Helmets may mitigate head and neck injuries associated with motorised scooters, skateboards and hoverboards.

Characteristics and Injury Patterns in Traumatic Brain Injury Related to E-Scooter Use in Riga, Latvia: Multicenter Case Series

Background and Objectives: In recent years, electronic scooters (e-scooters) have gained popularity, whether for private use or as a publicly available transportation method. With the introduction of these vehicles, reports of e-scooter-related accidents have surged, sparking public debate and concern. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological data, characteristics, and severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) related to e-scooter accidents. Materials and Methods: This retrospective case series evaluated patients who were admitted to the three largest neurosurgery clinics in Riga, Latvia, from the time period of April to October in two separate years-2022 and 2023-after e-scooter-related accidents. The data were collected on patient demographics, the time of the accident, alcohol consumption, helmet use, the type of TBI, other related injuries, and the treatment and assessment at discharge. Results: A total of 28 patients were admitted with TBI related to e-scooter use, with a median age of 30 years (Q1-Q3, 20.25-37.25), four individuals under the age of 18, and the majority (64%) being male. In 23 cases, the injury mechanism was falling, in 5 cases, collision. None were wearing a helmet at the time of the injury. Alcohol intoxication was evident in over half of the patients (51.5%), with severe intoxication (>1.2 g/L) in 75% of cases among them. Neurological symptoms upon admission were noted in 50% of cases. All patients had intracranial trauma: 50% had brain contusions, 43% traumatic subdural hematoma, and almost 30% epidural hematoma. Craniofacial fractures were evident in 71% of cases, and there were fractures in other parts of body in three patients. Six patients required emergency neurosurgical intervention. Neurological complications were noted in two patients; one patient died. Conclusions: e-scooter-related accidents result in a significant number of brain and other associated injuries, with notable frequency linked to alcohol influence and a lack of helmet use. Prevention campaigns to raise the awareness of potential risks and the implementation of more strict regulations should be conducted.

A retrospective comparative study of maxillofacial injury patterns caused by electric scooters and bicycles

BACKGROUND/AIM

The emergence of shared stand-up electric scooters has led to an increase in their usage and, subsequently, an increase in the incidence of maxillofacial trauma. This study aimed to investigate the trauma pattern associated with the use of stand-up electric scooters compared with that related to the use of bicycles, which was a popular mode of personal mobility before the emergence of stand-up electric scooters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study investigated the medical records of patients who visited Wonju Christian Hospital for maxillofacial trauma due to the use of stand-up electric scooter and bicycles between November 1, 2017 and October 31, 2022. Maxillofacial trauma was analyzed based on medical records, including those in the evaluation results of teeth, maxillofacial bones, and soft tissues.

RESULTS

Crown fractures and tooth avulsions were observed more frequently with the use of stand-up electric scooters than with the use of bicycles. In contrast, crown-root fractures, tooth subluxation, and extrusive luxation were more commonly observed in bicycle riders. Additionally, the proportion of root fractures was similar between the two groups. However, no vertical root fractures were observed in patients who rode bicycles. The maxillofacial bone fracture rates between the two groups were similar, although the fracture patterns were different.

CONCLUSION

The number of patients using stand-up electric scooters is increasing, and they are likely to have a worse prognosis compared with those using existing personal mobility devices.

Speed and Nighttime Usage Restrictions and the Incidence of Shared Electric Scooter Injuries

Importance

Electric scooter (e-scooter) crashes have become a serious health issue worldwide. The need for effective e-scooter regulations has been established in numerous instances.

Objective

To investigate the association of restrictions on top speed and nighttime usage on the incidence of e-scooter-related injuries.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective comparative cohort study of all patients with an injury related to shared e-scooter riding sustained in Helsinki, Finland. Data were collected from the electric patient database from 3 trauma hospitals representing all public hospitals treating patients with acute trauma in Helsinki. Shared e-scooter injuries from 2 periods were compared: an unrestricted period (January 1 to August 31, 2021) and a restricted period (January 1 to August 31, 2022). Data were analyzed from September 2022 to September 2023.

Exposures

The restrictions established for shared e-scooters during the restricted period were: (1) the daytime top speed of 20 km/h, as opposed to the previous top speed of 25 km/h, (2) the use of shared e-scooters was prohibited on Friday and Saturday nights between 12 am and 5 am, and (3) the nighttime top speed was decreased to 15 km/h from Sunday to Thursday between 12 am and 5 am, as opposed to 25 km/h.

Main outcome

The incidence of e-scooter injuries compared with the total trips made by e-scooters.

Results

There were 528 e-scooter injuries requiring hospital care during the unrestricted period and 318 injuries during the restricted period of similar length. The median (IQR) age of the patients in the study periods was 25 (21-32) and 28 (22-37), respectively; 308 (58%) and 191 (60%) were male, respectively. The incidence of e-scooter injuries was 19 (95% CI, 17-20) for every 100 000 rides during the unrestricted period and 9 (95% CI, 8-10) per 100 000 rides during the restricted period. In the risk analysis, the odds ratio for shared e-scooter injuries was 0.5 (95% CI, 0.4-0.6) for the restricted period when adjusted for hourly temperature, rain amount, wind speed, and visibility. After introducing the restrictions, the number of e-scooter injuries decreased significantly between 11 pm and 5 am.

Conclusion and Relevance

The number of injuries decreased after implementing restrictions on the top speed and nighttime usage of e-scooters. Similar restrictions in cities with shared e-scooter services should be explored.