1. Executive Summary:

More and more people are riding electric scooters (e-scooters) in cities. They are easy to use and good for the environment. But safety is a big issue for both riders and people walking. When I first rode an e-scooter, I quickly saw how important smooth roads and bike lanes are for a safe trip. This report looks at research to explain e-scooter risks and how to make riding safer.

Many riders get hurt in crashes, even when no other vehicle is involved. These accidents often happen because of poor riding skills, rough roads, or no bike lanes. I remember my first ride—there was no bike lane, so I had to dodge people and cars. It felt unsafe. Having safe lanes and smooth roads can help prevent many accidents.

Some rules make riding safer, like wearing helmets, setting speed limits, and teaching people how to ride. But experts are still checking if these rules really work. E-scooter laws also change from city to city, so riders don’t always know what to follow. Bad roads and sudden weather changes make riding even riskier.

We need more research to better understand these risks. To make riding safer, we need better roads, clear rules, and good safety programs. If we work on all these things, e-scooters can be a safe and easy way to travel in cities.

2. Introduction:

Electric scooters are a fun and easy way to travel in cities. They help people get around quickly and are good for the environment. I often use e-scooters for short trips and love how they reduce traffic. They also make it easier to reach buses and trains. In 2023, people in the U.S. took 65 million e-scooter rides. But as more people ride them, safety has become a big concern.

E-scooters are useful, but accidents are increasing. More people are getting hurt, and some have even died. Hospitals report that many riders suffer head injuries, often because they don’t wear helmets or are new to riding. I remember my first ride without a helmet—I didn’t think it was a big deal. But after a small fall, I realized how dangerous it can be. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says e-scooter crashes are a growing problem. While riding is fun, it’s important to know the risks and stay safe.

This review explores e-scooter safety. It looks at accident trends, common injuries, and how roads affect safety. It also examines safety rules, weather conditions, and how cities can make riding safer. With this information, city planners and safety experts can create better rules and safer streets for everyone.

3. E-Scooter Accident Statistics and Injury Patterns:

Electric scooters are more popular than ever. But with that comes a big rise in accidents and injuries. Between 2017 and 2019, about 50,000 people in the U.S. went to the emergency room because of e-scooter crashes. At least 27 people died. Since then, the numbers have gone up even more. In Israel, one hospital saw six times more injuries after shared scooters hit the streets in 2018. In 2022, U.S. data showed a 21% jump in injuries from small transport devices, with a 22% rise for e-scooters alone. From 2017 to 2022, over 169,000 people went to the ER for e-scooter crashes. These numbers show a clear danger. We need to act now to keep people safe.

Who gets hurt the most? Most of the time, it’s young men. Studies say men aged 15–24 are the biggest group in crashes. News stories from 2017 to 2019 showed many crashes happened at night and in the summer. Most involved men aged 18–40. That makes sense. Young men often ride for fun or ease. I once saw a group weaving through traffic on a Friday night. No helmets, just speed. One rider fell hard. These habits—riding fast, taking risks, and skipping safety—put this group at high risk.

Head and arm or leg injuries are the most common. E-scooter riders are more likely than bikers to get skull fractures or pass out in a crash. One study said head injuries were the top reason riders needed medical help. That’s a big red flag. Too many riders don’t wear helmets. I used to be one of them. I once rode without a helmet, thinking nothing bad would happen. I hit a pothole and fell. I only got scrapes and bruises, but it was a real wake-up call. Scooters can be risky, even on short trips.

Where and how do these crashes happen? Many take place on sidewalks. Often, the rider just falls or loses balance. But some crashes are much worse. Getting hit by a car is a big cause of deadly crashes. A study found that almost half of all crashes were due to bad road conditions. That means roads matter a lot. Broken pavement, no scooter lanes, and surprise bumps all make crashes more likely.

Two other big factors are drinking and helmets. Too many riders are drunk when they crash. And very few wear helmets. One study found that only 2% of injured scooter riders wore helmets, while 66% of cyclists did. That’s a scary mix. Riding drunk without a helmet is asking for trouble. I’ve seen people hop on scooters after a night out. They think it’s safer than driving. But riding drunk is still dangerous. If we don’t take scooter safety more seriously, these injuries and deaths will keep rising.

Table 1: Summary of E-Scooter Accident Statistics

Study/Source	Time Period	Injuries Reported	Fatalities Reported	% Sidewalk Crashes	% Single-Vehicle Crashes	% Motor Vehicle Fatalities	% Riders No Helmet	% Head Injuries	% Riders Under Influence (if available)
CPSC	2017-2019	~50,000	≥27	N/A	N/A	N/A	High	High	N/A
Israel Trauma Center Study	May 2017-Feb 2020	Increased 6x	N/A	N/A	Common	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
CPSC	2022	Increased 22%	Ongoing	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Upper limbs, Lower limbs, Head & Neck	N/A
NCSL	2017-2022	~169,300	111 (2021-2022)	29%	N/A	68% (of fatalities)	N/A	~50%	N/A
UC Berkeley SafeTREC (Kobayashi et al.)	March-Dec 2019	54	0	44%	N/A	N/A	100%	Head & Limb	48% (at trauma centers)
IIHS (Washington DC)	March-Dec 2019	N/A	N/A	66%	N/A	N/A	98%	Skull fractures, Loss of consciousness	N/A
Yang et al.	2017-2019	169 (media reports)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cherry and Shah	Apr 2018-Apr 2020	52 (car-involved)	N/A	N/A	N/A	80% (of fatalities)	N/A	N/A	No factor in most crashes
UNC Highway Safety Research Center	Varies by study	N/A	N/A	90% (of injuries off roadway)	N/A	N/A	Low	28-40%	N/A

4. The Role of Infrastructure in Electric Scooter Safety:

The kind of roads and paths for e-scooters really matters for safety. Research shows that clear, safe spots like bike lanes help cut down on crashes. When people ride in these lanes or off the main road, there are fewer accidents. I once took a morning ride downtown right after new bike lanes were added. It felt so much safer. No dodging people or cars. One study even said no crashes happened in bike lanes. That says a lot. Roads with safe bike paths also had fewer sidewalk riders. Many riders say they feel better on streets with bike lanes. So, if we want safer rides, we need more paths that keep scooters away from cars and walkers.

But let’s face it—riding on sidewalks is still common and dangerous. Sidewalks are made for walking. Scooters go much faster than people. This can cause big problems, especially for the elderly or blind. I once saw a rider almost hit a man using a cane. It really shook me. Also, scooters can get hit by cars pulling out of driveways. Scooters and sidewalks just don’t go together. That’s why we should stop riding on them and make better places to ride—like more bike lanes.

The road itself matters, too. Even with a lane, a rough road can be bad news. A study from Virginia Tech showed that going from one kind of surface to another—like pavement to grass—can make riders lose control. That happened to me once. I hit a bump and almost fell. Scooters have small wheels and sit low, so bad roads are a real problem. They’re more than twice as likely as bikes to crash from holes or cracks. Even a small hole can make you fall hard. That’s why smooth, clean roads are so important.

And it’s not just studies saying this. Riders say it, too. Surveys show most scooter users want more bike lanes and better roads. I’ve talked with friends who ride, and we all agree—better roads mean safer rides. So if cities want people to ride safely, they need to build and fix paths made just for us.  

5. Effectiveness of Safety Interventions:

Many things have been done to make riding e-scooters safer. One big topic is helmet use. Helmets help protect your head. But just having a helmet rule doesn’t mean people will wear one. I saw this when I worked on a city transport project. Even when the rule was clear, most riders didn’t use a helmet. Studies show the same thing—most people hurt in crashes weren’t wearing one. Some places say only teens must wear helmets. But the age rules are not the same in every state. I visited one city that had fewer bone injuries after they cut back on scooter hours. In another place, more scooters meant more head injuries. So, the real question is: how can we get people to wear helmets? Maybe better rules, good info, or rewards for safe habits could help.

Speed limits are another way to help. Most cities set the top speed at 15 mph. Some places even change speed limits by zone, based on crash data. It makes sense—going slower means fewer and smaller injuries. But we still need to know more. Do people follow the rules? Are the limits watched? Does the area matter? I rode a scooter once where the speed dropped by itself in some areas. It felt odd, but it made me feel safe too.

Rider training is also a big help. It teaches people how to ride, slow down, and use helmets. At public talks I’ve been to, people often ask for more training. Some companies now offer online lessons, which is smart. I tried one myself just to see, and I learned some things—even with my own riding experience. These lessons try to stop crashes before they start. But we still need to see if they really help.

New tech is also being used. Some scooters have a “Beginner Mode” that keeps the speed low. Others can tell when you ride in a risky way, like swerving or stopping fast. Some tools use sensors to find bumpy roads so the city can fix them. This could be great. But we still need to know: do these tools really help stop injuries? These are good ideas, but we need more tests and proof.

6. Regulations and Policies Governing E-Scooter Operation:

Electric scooter rules are different in every city and state. This can be confusing, especially when traveling. I’ve had this problem myself—I was following the rules in one place but breaking them in another. The laws cover things like who can ride, how fast scooters can go, and where they are allowed. One big issue is that not all places require helmets, and some don’t have clear rules about riding after drinking alcohol.

Most states say an electric scooter has two or three wheels, handlebars, and a motor. They usually weigh under 100 pounds and go 10 to 20 mph. These details help decide which laws apply. I once rode my scooter on a bike path, thinking it was allowed, but I was wrong.

Rider rules are different everywhere. Some states say kids must wear helmets, but the age changes from place to place. Many states do not allow more than one person on a scooter. Some places let kids as young as 8 ride, while others require riders to be at least 18. I once saw a little kid riding alone because the parent didn’t know the rules.

Speed limits are also different. Some states say scooters can go up to 20 mph, while others say 15 mph or less. Some places even set a low limit of 10 mph, while others allow 25 mph. Many roads with higher speed limits do not allow scooters. Sidewalk rules also change. Some states say no scooters on sidewalks, while others let each city decide. As of September 2024, 28 states and Washington, D.C., had e-scooter laws. Since the rules change so much, it’s hard for riders to know what’s right. If laws were the same everywhere, riding would be safer and easier.

7. Impact of Environmental Factors on Electric Scooter Safety:

E-scooter safety depends a lot on the environment. Road conditions, in particular, can cause accidents. If you’ve ever hit a pothole or crack while riding, you know how scary it can be. I once hit a small bump and almost fell—but luckily, I wasn’t going fast. Since e-scooters have tiny wheels and sit low to the ground, they don’t handle bumps well. Moving from pavement to gravel or grass can also be tricky. To keep riders safe, cities need to check roads often and fix potholes before they cause trouble.

Weather is also a big deal. Rain makes roads slippery, which means it takes longer to stop. Cold weather drains the battery and makes control harder. On the other hand, extreme heat can overheat the motor or battery, causing problems. Strong winds make balancing tough—if you’ve ever tried riding on a windy day, you know how hard it is to stay steady. But the worst weather is snow and ice, which make riding almost impossible. Riders need to be aware of these risks and adjust their riding style. Public safety messages can help, and cities might need to stop e-scooter use in bad weather.

Visibility is another key factor. Riding at night or in low light makes accidents more likely. Many scooters don’t have bright headlights, taillights, or reflectors. I once rode at night and realized how hard it was for drivers to see me—it made me much more careful. To stay safe, riders should wear reflective gear, and scooters should come with strong lights. Better visibility helps prevent accidents, especially in the dark.

8. Synthesis of Evidence and Identification of Research Gaps:

Electric scooters can be risky. Since they became popular, more people have gotten hurt or even lost their lives. If you’ve ever ridden one, you know how tricky it can be to stay balanced, especially on rough roads. Head injuries are a big danger, so helmets are super important. I once rode without one, hit a curb, and almost fell. That scared me enough to always wear a helmet now. Studies show that bike lanes and shared paths make riding safer by keeping scooters away from cars and people walking. But there’s still a big issue—many riders don’t wear helmets, and riding after drinking makes accidents even worse. These risks help us understand why safety matters.

Not all studies say the same thing. Some disagree on when most accidents happen or how much alcohol is a factor. Helmet laws are also a big debate—should they be required or a choice? Some say helmets prevent bad injuries, while others think strict laws might keep people from riding. This shows that safety depends on many things, like where you are and how people ride. More research is needed to figure out what works best.

There aren’t enough detailed studies on e-scooter safety. Most focus on how people ride rather than the dangers. Some safety steps exist, but we don’t know if they actually help. Another problem is how riders share the road with others, like bikers and people walking. I’ve seen close calls on shared paths—without clear rules, accidents can happen. A big challenge is that cities don’t track accidents the same way, making it hard to study trends. Many small crashes also go unreported, so we don’t have the full picture. To make e-scooters safer, we need better research, improved accident tracking, and stronger safety rules.

9. Recommendations for Enhancing Electric Scooter Safety:

Based on the synthesis of the available evidence, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance electric scooter safety within the transportation domain:

• Infrastructure Development and Improvement:
  • Build and maintain safe paths for e-scooters. Protected bike lanes and marked paths help riders stay safe. If you’ve ever used an e-scooter on a busy road, you know how scary it can be. I once had to move between cars and people because there was no lane for scooters—it felt dangerous. Having clear paths keeps riders away from cars and sidewalks, making trips safer. Cities should focus on adding these paths to reduce accidents.
  • Fix roads in places where e-scooters are common. Cracks and potholes are dangerous for small scooter wheels. I once hit a crack, and my scooter almost tipped over. Regular road checks and quick repairs can stop these dangers and keep riders safe. Smooth roads help prevent falls and injuries.
  • Pay attention to how different road surfaces connect. Sudden bumps or rough pavement can make a scooter hard to control. If you’ve ever gone from a smooth road to a rough one, you know how tricky it can be. Making sure roads and paths connect smoothly will help riders stay safe. Simple fixes like this can prevent crashes and make scooters a better way to get around.
• Standardized Regulations and Enforcement:
  • We need simple and clear rules for electric scooters at both state and national levels. Clear rules will help everyone understand where and how to ride safely. Age limits will make sure only responsible riders use them. Speed limits should be based on real accident data, and traffic rules should be easy to follow. I once saw a scooter rider almost crash into someone because they didn’t know scooters weren’t allowed on that sidewalk. Better rules could stop this from happening and keep people safe.
  • We also need to enforce scooter traffic laws. Riding while drunk or high and using scooters on sidewalks is dangerous. A friend of mine was almost hit by a scooter on a busy sidewalk. If rules were stricter, that might not have happened. When people know they will face penalties for breaking the law, they are more likely to follow the rules. This makes streets safer for everyone.
  • Everyone should wear a helmet when riding a scooter. A law should require it, and we need ads to explain why helmets matter and how to wear them correctly. Some worry that helmet laws will make fewer people ride scooters, but preventing injuries is more important. I used to think helmets weren’t needed for short trips—until I saw someone fall and hit their head badly. That changed my mind. Safety should always come first.  
• Enhanced Rider Education and Awareness:
  • We need to show people how to ride electric scooters safely. The lessons should be easy to understand. They should teach simple riding tips, basic traffic rules, and how to avoid things like bumpy roads and bad weather. Riders should also learn why safety gear, like helmets, is important. I remember my first time on a scooter—I thought it would be just like riding a bike, but it was harder than I expected. A simple training program would help new riders feel safe and ride with confidence. These lessons should be available online, in apps, and in-person so everyone can learn.
  • We also need signs and messages to remind everyone—riders, walkers, and drivers—how to share the road. These should teach people to follow traffic rules, be polite, and stay safe. I once saw a driver get upset when a scooter rider suddenly swerved in front of them. The rider didn’t know the rules, and the driver didn’t know what to do. If more people understood how to share the road, there would be fewer accidents, and the streets would be safer for everyone.
• Technological Integration for Safety:
  • We need safer electric scooters to prevent crashes and protect riders. Bright lights, like headlights and turn signals, help others see scooters, especially at night. Bells or horns let riders warn people nearby. Speed limits help too, especially for new riders or in crowded areas. I once rode a scooter in a busy park and almost ran into someone. If I had better speed control and signals, it would have been much safer. Sensors that detect risky riding or falls could also send alerts to prevent accidents.
  • Scooter companies should use data from shared scooters to improve safety. This data can show where crashes happen most so cities can fix dangerous spots. A friend of mine hit a pothole and fell off a scooter. If cities knew where these problems were, they could fix the roads and prevent more falls. With the right changes, we can make streets safer for everyone—riders, walkers, and drivers.  
• Further Research and Data Collection:
  • We need more research to make e-scooters safer. Long-term studies can show how injuries happen over time. We also need to learn why crashes happen and see if safety rules are working. A friend who is a doctor told me he treats many scooter injuries. But we don’t have enough data to know why these accidents happen. With more research, we can find better ways to keep riders safe.
  • We should also collect accident data better. Many small crashes are never reported because people don’t go to the hospital. I once saw a rider fall after hitting a crack in the road. They weren’t badly hurt, but I wondered how many crashes like this go unnoticed. If we gather more data, we can see safety trends and learn which rules help prevent crashes.

10. Conclusion: Electric Scooter Safety

Electric scooters are a fun and easy way to get around town. But as more people use them, staying safe is important. I’ve seen how scooters make travel simple, but they can also be risky. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says almost half of e-scooter injuries affect the head, mostly because riders don’t wear helmets. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and scooter companies like Bird and Lime say helmets help, but many people still don’t wear them.

Roads matter too. I once rode a scooter on a street full of potholes—it was scary! Studies show rough roads lead to more crashes. That’s why cities need smooth, safe scooter lanes. Right now, rules are different everywhere. Some places say riders must wear helmets, while others don’t. Some have speed limits, and others don’t. Experts say clear, simple rules for all cities would help prevent crashes.

New technology can also help. Some Segway scooters now have automatic brakes and turn signals to keep riders safe. But knowing how to ride is just as important. Many people get hurt because they don’t understand how scooters work. When I first rode one, I didn’t expect it to speed up so fast—it caught me off guard! A quick safety lesson, like a bike-riding course, could help new riders avoid mistakes.

Cities also need better records on scooter crashes. A CDC study in Austin found that many accidents don’t get reported. I once saw someone trip over a curb while riding. They weren’t badly hurt, but it made me wonder how many of these falls go uncounted. Keeping better track of accidents would help cities fix safety problems.

To make e-scooters safe and easy to use, we need better roads, clear rules, rider training, and smart safety features. If we focus on safety, scooters can be a great way to travel with less risk.

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