Many people are using them daily.
Individuals who rely on e-bikes and electric scooters for transportation are increasingly facing risks of injury, as highlighted by recent research from Columbia University. The study reveals that injuries related to e-bikes surged by 293% from 2019 to 2022, while powered scooters saw an 88% increase in injuries. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved injury surveillance and safety strategies for micromobility devices to ensure they remain a safe and sustainable transportation option.
Micromobility refers to small, low-speed vehicles, including e-bikes, scooters, bicycles, and hoverboards, which have become increasingly popular. In fact, e-bike sales have outpaced those of electric cars, rising by 269% between 2019 and 2022. The study analyzed data from over 1.9 million injury cases involving these devices, using a nationwide injury surveillance system that included information from 96 hospitals across the U.S. Among the injuries, bicycles accounted for the most significant number, followed by scooters, hoverboards, and e-bikes.
The research found that 1.9 million of the 48.8 million injuries leading to emergency room visits were associated with micromobility devices. Notably, hoverboard injuries were most prevalent among patients under 18, whereas a significant portion of scooter and e-bike injuries affected individuals aged 18 to 44. Additionally, men were more likely to sustain injuries from bicycles and scooters compared to women, while older adults were predominantly injured on e-bikes and bicycles.
Alcohol consumption and helmet usage were factors that influenced the rates of injury. Injuries from powered scooters and e-bikes were often associated with alcohol, while cyclists and e-bike users had higher rates of helmet use than those using hoverboards or scooters. Interestingly, injuries related to hoverboards declined during the study, especially among children, which researchers attributed to a safety warning issued in 2018 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
To enhance safety for micromobility users, the study’s authors suggest that public officials may need to implement clearer regulations regarding where these devices can be used and address laws related to operating them under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, creating more protected bike lanes in high-traffic areas could contribute to safer environments for these users. Researchers plan to investigate further features that may help reduce the risk of injury among micromobility users.
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