Whether you are a driver, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a passenger commuter, you have likely seen a surge of scooters in the city and surrounding areas in recent years. With this surge in popularity also comes a dramatic increase in e-scooter injuries.
According to a national UCSF study, between 2017 and 2021, e-scooter injuries rose by almost 45% every year except between 2019 and 2020 (e-scooter injuries decreased slightly between 2019 and 2020). The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that e-scooter injuries rose by roughly 22% from 2021 to 2022. The UCSF study also reported that there were an estimated 8,566 e-scooter related injuries in 2017 and by 2022, that number had risen to 56,847 estimated e-scooter injuries.
Electric bike and electric scooter riders are more likely to engage in risky behaviors when riding, such as riding while intoxicated and riding without a helmet, compared to conventional riders. E-scooter riders are also more likely to sustain internal injuries than conventional scooter users. Therefore, although electric scooters make short distance traveling easier, their use should be accompanied by an attention to safety and safety precautions. For those who follow the rules of the road, they must still be vigilant of other drivers and riders.
What Are Some Safety Tips For E-scooter Riders?
Like many other types of accidents and injuries, e-scooter related injuries can usually be avoided or mitigated by following safety rules and regulations. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind the next time you use your electric scooter:
- Alert others and be seen. It can be very difficult for others, especially vehicles, to spot an e-scooter. Riders need to expect vehicles and pedestrians not to see them, and should slow down, and plan ahead of time. Riders should use the bell/horn to alert others. Additionally, abrupt, unpredictable movements can be especially dangerous.
- Watch out for obstacles. E-scooters have small wheels. Consequently, objects, uneven surfaces, and cracks in the ground can cause them to stop suddenly and throw the rider off.
- Wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Helmets and pads can help prevent injuries from falls and collisions.
- Check for any potential damage on the e-scooter before use. Make sure the handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables, and frame are in good condition. When in doubt, do not ride it. Damage to the e-scooter increases your chance of losing control and crashing.
- Test the brakes. Make sure the brakes work and note how long it takes the e-scooter to stop. Be prepared for an emergency stop. Stopping distance varies from e-scooter to e-scooter.
- Hands on. Always keep both hands on the handlebars and keep items off the handlebars.
- Slow and steady. Slow down and lean back over bumps.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Ride alone. E-scooters should always be ridden by one person per e-scooter. Additional riders on the same e-scooter can increase the risk and severity of collisions.
- Avoid distractions while riding. Activities such as listening to music and talking on the phone are distracting and can divert attention, resulting in distracted operation of the e-scooter.
- Park correctly. E-scooters should be parked upright and away from pedestrian and motorist traffic so that it’s not a tripping hazard.
- Take steps to prevent fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fires are a dangerous hazard with e-scooters due to faulty charging equipment, improper charging practices, and overloaded electrical circuits. To prevent fires, only purchase e-scooters listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly. If you already own an e-scooter, don’t continue to charge the battery once it’s full, never use charging equipment that didn’t come with your e-scooter, and stop using the e-scooter if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor or change in color. Furthermore, if your e-scooter needs repairs, have the repairs performed by a qualified professional.
With careful consideration of safety, e-scooters can be an enjoyable and convenient means of transportation. However, if you were injured on an e-scooter because of another’s negligence, or by a negligent e-scooter operator, SUGARMAN has a team of dedicated personal injury attorneys who represent those who have been injured. If you wish to speak to one of our attorneys regarding liability, please call us at (617) 542-1000, email us at , or fill out our Contact Form.