Understanding the Risks
Electric scooter ridership has exploded, and with it, hospital visits related to scooter injuries have increased. Understanding the data helps riders make informed decisions about safety gear and riding behaviour.
Accident Statistics
Studies from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that electric scooter-related emergency department visits in the US exceeded 90,000 annually by 2025. This represents a significant increase from approximately 42,000 in 2021, correlating with rising adoption rates.
However, per-trip injury rates have actually declined as scooter design has improved and rider experience has grown. The injury rate per million trips dropped from approximately 115 in 2020 to about 75 in 2025.
Common Injuries
Head injuries account for approximately 30 percent of scooter-related emergency visits. Concussions, facial fractures, and dental injuries are the most frequent head traumas. Helmet usage reduces head injury severity by 60 to 70 percent.
Fractures make up about 25 percent of injuries, most commonly affecting wrists, arms, and collarbones as riders instinctively extend their arms during falls.
Soft tissue injuries including road rash, sprains, and contusions account for the remaining 45 percent of cases.
Contributing Factors
Research consistently identifies several key risk factors. Inexperience is the leading factor, with first-time riders accounting for a disproportionate share of injuries. Alcohol involvement plays a role in approximately 15 percent of serious scooter accidents. Poorly maintained infrastructure including potholes, uneven pavement, and inadequate bike lanes contributes to many single-rider crashes.
Protective Measures That Work
Helmets are the most effective single intervention. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by up to 70 percent. Riding at moderate speeds, staying sober, and avoiding headphones while riding are other evidence-based protective behaviours.
The Big Picture
Electric scooters are comparable in risk to bicycles when riders wear helmets and follow traffic rules. The data supports scooter use as a legitimate transportation option when proper precautions are taken.