Have you ever ridden an e-scooter or e-bike? They offer a blend of convenience, affordability, and pure enjoyment, making them increasingly popular as a “micromobility” option. However, along with their growing use comes a rising concern about safety. Just how risky are these modes of transportation?
The Rise of E-Micromobility
As e-bikes and e-scooters became more prevalent, their adoption rates skyrocketed. Between 2018 and 2022, e-bike sales surged from around 250,000 annually to over one million. Similarly, e-scooter rentals also saw dramatic increases in usage. But with this rise in popularity, emergency rooms have reported a substantial rise in injuries related to e-bikes and e-scooters.
Emerging Concerns in E-Scooter and E-Bike Usage
A study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System between 2017 and 2022. This impressive research focused on the growing number of injuries among e-bike and e-scooter riders, comparing them to traditional bike and scooter users.
Statistics That Raise Eyebrows
During the study period, around three million individuals sought emergency care for injuries incurred while riding e-bikes, e-scooters, or their conventional counterparts. The numbers reveal a dramatic shift:
- E-bike injuries soared from 751 in 2017 to an astonishing 23,493 in 2022, demonstrating an annual doubling.
- E-scooter injuries increased by over 45% each year, jumping from 8,566 in 2017 to 56,847 in 2022.
Behavior and Risk Factors
Surprisingly, the study highlighted a concerning trend in rider behavior. Only 43% of e-bike and e-scooter riders wore helmets, compared to 52% of those on traditional bikes and scooters. Additionally:
- About 7% of e-bike riders and 9% of e-scooter riders had been drinking before their accidents, compared to 4% for traditional bike riders and 3% for conventional scooter users.
- Urban settings saw the bulk of the accidents, with 83% of e-bike and e-scooter incidents occurring in cities, contrasting with 71% for their traditional counterparts.
Types of Injuries
Riders, whether on an e-bike or a conventional bike, commonly faced scrapes, bruises, broken bones, and injuries to the head and neck. The alarming frequency of these injuries prompts questions about rider safety and the need for protective measures.
Limitations of the Research
Despite its high-profile publication, the study isn’t without its limitations. It only included patients evaluated in emergency rooms, excluding those with less severe injuries or those who sought alternative care. Injuries to pedestrians hit by e-bike or e-scooter riders didn’t factor into the study, nor did property damage, such as car damage. Furthermore, the research did not compare safety rates between e-bikes, e-scooters, and traditional vehicles, as no data regarding miles traveled was collected.
Simple Steps to Boost Safety
Although the statistics may be daunting, there are many ways to reduce the risk of injuries while riding e-bikes and e-scooters. Here are ten practical precautions:
- Wear a helmet. Rental services may not provide helmets, so consider bringing your own.
- Practice riding. Familiarize yourself with handling an e-bike or e-scooter in a safe environment away from traffic before venturing out.
- Follow road rules. Ride in designated bike lanes and use proper signals to communicate with other road users.
- Slow down. High speeds can lead to more severe injuries, so keep your pace manageable.
- Lower risks. Avoid riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and refrain from using your phone while in motion.
- Go it alone. Most e-bikes and e-scooters are designed for single riders; any additional weight can alter stability.
- Ride defensively. Stay alert for hazards like potholes or unexpected behaviors from other road users.
- Reflect. Consider wearing reflective gear or using lights if riding at night.
- Call out. Let those around you know you’re passing by announcing your presence to make your ride safer.
- Lobby for infrastructure. Advocate for improved bike lanes and safety features in your community.
The Importance of Safety Awareness
E-bikes and e-scooters offer an exciting mode of transportation that can add fun to your commute or casual outings. However, it’s essential to remain vigilant about safety. With an awareness of the risks and by adopting proactive safety measures, you can enhance your riding experience while minimizing hazards.
