The Most Common Electric Scooter Injuries

Electric scooters are appearing in cities and town alike, both as a cheap rent-by-the-minute way to travel around city streets and as a fun way to ride around neighborhoods with friends.

While riding these scooters is fun, healthcare providers are starting to see a growing number of injuries from people who ride them. The American College of Surgeons said in 2024 the number of electric scooter-related injuries has at least doubled over the last five years.

Scott Biehl, DO, is a sports medicine and interventional orthopedic specialist at RRH Orthopedics – Greece and Linden Oaks, and has treated many patients with electric scooter-related injuries. Dr. Biehl shares some of the most common injuries and how they can be prevented.

Common electric scooter injuries

Concussions and head injuries

Nearly a third of all injuries to e-scooter riders happen to the head and face, according to NEISS data. Often these injuries occur when people choose not to wear a helmet.

Riders may suffer injuries such as:

• concussions
• face lacerations
• traumatic brain injuries

Many of these injuries result in urgent care or emergency room visits. Treatments for head injuries are set up on a case-by-case basis, depending on the severity of the injury, age of the patient, underlying conditions, and other factors.

Arm and wrist fractures

When a person riding an electric scooter falls off or collides with something, they will typically put out their arms to brace themselves for impact.

As a result, arm or wrist sprains and fractures are among the most common injuries for people who ride electric scooters.

Healthcare providers offer several treatments for these types of injuries. Sprains may be bandaged and splinted, while fractures are treated after being confirmed with imaging. An orthopedic provider may immobilize the injured bone using a cast, sling, or brace, then allow for several weeks for healing.

Scrapes, cuts, and bruises

Electric scooter riders often visit urgent cares or emergency departments after an accident or collision because they suffered a laceration or contusion. Research shows the same injured areas – head, face, arms, and legs – tend to be where these cuts and bruises occur.

Treatment ranges from disinfecting and covering wounds to stitches or skin grafting, depending on the severity of the injury.

Internal organ trauma

This is a real concern, especially when riding electric scooter riders in areas that share space with vehicles. The number of hospitalizations has soared over the last decade, according to data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

Serious internal trauma including internal bleeding, liver or spleen laceration, and other internal injuries can result from collisions with vehicles. If this happens, seek immediate care at an emergency department.

How to prevent injuries on electric scooters

If you do choose to ride an electric scooter, here are some precautions you can take before and during your rides to help protect yourself.

Wear a helmet: This is the simplest and most effective form of protection that any e-scooter rider can give themselves. Helmets protect against concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other facial injuries.

Wear protective gear: Elbow and knee pads can help to prevent serious injuries to your joints. Especially with the number of arm and wrist injuries, putting on pads can reduce your risk of injury significantly.

Do not operate while intoxicated: Alcohol consumption keeps you from being attentive, alert, and effective with your reflexes. Similar to driving while intoxicated, avoid riding or driving an electric scooter after drinking alcohol. Your chances of injury are dramatically increased.

Be observant: Look around you before you start riding and keep an eye out for anything that might pose a potential threat to you or the people are with. Potholes, light fixtures, and other obstacles on the sidewalk or road should be avoided. Most importantly, be aware of motor vehicles and public transportation while riding.

Avoid passengers: E-scooters are designed for single rider use. When you add another person into the mix, it creates more significant challenges for weight distribution, navigating turns, and balance for both individuals who are riding the scooter.

“Wearing your standard safety gear in addition to highly visible outerwear is recommended,” Dr. Biehl said. “The greatest risk of serious trauma is typically that which is out of your own control: unaware drivers. Your greatest risk reduction for serious injury is making sure you are seen by vehicles on the road. Wearing reflective outerwear, a flashing headlamp, or a lighted vest helps drivers see you, even if you don't see them."