Micromobility Injuries Rise, Prompting Call for Driver Education and Safety MeasuresMicromobility Injuries Rise, Prompting Call for Driver Education and Safety Measures A recent study from the University of California has revealed a concerning increase in injuries involving electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters). The findings highlight the need for urgent safety measures and driver education initiatives. Rising Injuries Between 2017 and 2022, the number of hospitalizations resulting from e-bike injuries doubled annually, reaching 23,493 in 2022. E-scooter injuries also surged by 45% during the same period, reaching 56,847. Factors Contributing to Injuries The study identified several factors contributing to the increase in injuries: * Increase in popularity: As the use of e-bikes and e-scooters has grown, so has the number of accidents involving them. * Lower helmet use: Helmet use was significantly lower among e-bike (44%) and e-scooter (unknown) riders compared to cyclists (53%). * Risky behaviors: E-bike and e-scooter users were more likely to be intoxicated at the time of the injury (7% and 9%, respectively) compared to cyclists (4%). Urgent Safety Measures The researchers emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to address the safety challenges posed by micromobility vehicles: * Improved infrastructure: Urban areas should be designed with dedicated lanes and designated areas for electric vehicles. * Educational campaigns: Programs should promote helmet wearing, sober driving, and awareness of vehicle blind spots. * Enforcement of traffic laws: Stricter enforcement of traffic regulations can help reduce reckless driving and accidents. Conclusion The rising number of injuries involving e-bikes and e-scooters underscores the importance of prioritizing safety measures. By implementing these recommendations, we can create safer and more sustainable urban environments while promoting the benefits of micromobility.
A new study from the University of California looked at the rising number of injuries among electric bike and e-scooter users, and found that more effort needs to be made to educate drivers.
The number of injuries involving e-cyclists requiring hospitalisation doubled every year between 2017 and 2022, while injuries involving e-scooters increased by 45%.
Of course, as the number of e-bikes and scooters grew, so did the accidents. In 2017, there were 751 reported e-bike injuries, and by 2022, this had risen to 23,493
Similarly, the number of injuries caused by e-scooters increased from 8,566 to 56,847
Co-lead author Adrian Fernandez, MD, chief resident in the UCSF Department of Urology, said, “The U.S. experienced a notable increase in micromobility injuries during the study period. This increase in crashes not only represents a demographic shift, but also underscores an urgent need for additional safety measures. There are undeniable health and environmental benefits to using micromobility vehicles, but systemic changes must be made to promote safe driving.”
The study, believed to be the first to examine recent injury patterns in the US, found the following:
Percentage wearing a helmet at the time of injury:
- Cyclists: 53%
- e-cyclists: 44%
Percentage over the legal alcohol limit at the time of injury:
- cyclists: 4%
- e-cyclists: 7%
- e-scooter users: 9%
Average age of users at the time of the accident
- cyclists : 30
- e-cyclists: 39
- e-scooter users: 30
Kevin D. Li, who will pursue dual medical and master’s degrees at UCSF in 2025, added: “Our findings highlight a concerning trend: helmet use is noticeably lower among electric vehicle users and risky behaviors, such as drunk driving, are more prevalent.”
The authors urged a multifaceted approach, including better infrastructure in urban areas for small vehicles, and educational campaigns promoting helmet wearing and sober driving.
Benjamin N. Breyer, chair of the UCSF Department of Urology, said, “As micromobility vehicles become more and more a part of our daily lives, it is critical that we understand and address the safety challenges they pose. This not only means adapting our urban landscapes, but also fostering a culture of safety among riders. By doing so, we can realize the full potential of micromobility to create more sustainable, healthier, and safer urban environments.”
