Let's Scoot: Navigating the Dangers of Electric Scooters 🛴🚴♂️
E-scooter mishaps may lead to severe brain trauma, according to recent research findings
By Elaine Poet 👩💻
speed, safety, alcohol, accidents, e-scooters, helmet
E-scooters have taken urban mobility by storm, offering a quick and hassle-free way to zip around town. However, the allure of these zippy devices comes with a darker side, as a study by the Clinic for Trauma Surgery at the Technical University of Munich reveals. They analyzed data from over 500 severely injured e-scooter riders, painting a stark picture of the dangers lurking underneath the speed and convenience.
The Young, the Intoxicated, and the Night: E-scooter Dangers Unmasked## A Recipe for Disaster
Between 2020 and 2023, the study documented a total of 538 e-scooter riders with severe injuries. More than half of these accidents occurred at night, and nearly a third involved riders under the influence of alcohol. These revelations are particularly concerning as many riders were on their way home from a night out, often underestimating the speed of their vehicles. With speeds of up to 20 km/h, an impact can already be life-threatening.
The Vienna Incident Report: Who's Behind the Scariesct Accidents?## A Familiar Profile
The e-scooter riders involved in accidents were on average 44 years old, ten years younger than cyclists involved in accidents. A whopping 78% of them were men. In 83% of cases, there were severe head or facial injuries. Subarachnoidal hemorrhages, skull base fractures, and rib series fractures were at the top of the list. Over 80% had to be treated in intensive care, and 26 people died from their injuries - a mortality rate comparable to that of bicycle or motorcycle accidents.
Buckle Up: Protective Measures and the Importance of Helmets
In light of these figures, the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) calls for strengthened safety measures. "The severe head injuries we see regularly are now also reflected in the statistics," says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Stoeckle, President of the DGU. The helmet is the most important protection - even though there is no legal obligation.
"A helmet remains the most crucial protection for the head - but other simple measures can also boost safety: driving slowly, staying sober, and being visible at night," adds Dr. Christopher Spering, prevention expert at the DGOU. The low access threshold still contradicts the necessary protective measures.
Germany requires helmets for minors in some regions, reflecting a cautious approach to younger riders. However, adult helmet use is only recommended, not mandatory. This is in contrast to countries like Italy, Denmark, Portugal, and Croatia where helmets are compulsory for e-scooter riders.
Addressing the Challenge: Awareness, Rental Helmets, and Alcohol Checks
The study authors demand a package of measures: In addition to targeted awareness of the risk of severe head injuries, they recommend nighttime speed limits, digital access barriers during risk hours, and a possible helmet obligation. Rental helmets could also be provided.
Apart from these recommendations, countries like Germany already have regulations in place. Riders must adhere to rules similar to those for bicycles, including obeying traffic signals and regulations embedded in the German Road Traffic Act. Alcohol consumption is subject to the same legal limits applied to cyclists and drivers; riding e-scooters under the influence of alcohol is prohibited and can result in fines or penalties. Additional rules, such as permission to ride in pedestrian zones but only at walking speed and under certain conditions, have been clarified to improve safety and usage regulation.
Since April 2025, Germany has empowered cities with more flexibility to regulate e-scooter usage areas and raised fines for violations, aiming to improve safety and order in urban environments. The future of e-scooter safety depends on the adoption of these measures and the ongoing vigilance of riders and authorities alike. Stay safe out there, scooterists! 🛴🚴♂️🚔💥🦠🎉🎫📈🚧🚩
- Despite the popularity of e-scooters in health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, it's crucial to be aware of medical-conditions related dangers, such as the increased risk of severe injuries, particularly when riding at night or under the influence of alcohol.
- To reduce the risk of accidents, it's essential to follow safety measures like wearing a helmet, driving slowly, staying sober, and being visible at night, not just for e-scooter riders, but also for cyclists.
- In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, research suggests a need for stricter safety regulations, including nighttime speed limits, digital access barriers during risk hours, and a possible helmet obligation, especially in light of the high number of head and facial injuries reported.
