Association of Nighttime Speed Limits and Electric Scooter–Related Injuries

Abstract

This cohort study investigates whether nighttime speed restrictions are associated with the incidence of electric scooter–related injuries in Finland.

Speed and Nighttime Usage Restrictions and the Incidence of Shared Electric Scooter Injuries

“…The primary aim of nighttime restrictions is to limit the number of intoxicated riders and therefore limit injuries, as alcohol use has been common in patients experiencing e-scooter injuries . To our knowledge, nighttime restrictions have only been examined in 2 studies, both of which did not find evidence of a difference after the introduction of the restrictions . In our study, the number of both nighttime and alcohol-related injuries decreased after implementing the restrictions.…”

“…Although it was impossible to adjust these phenomena, we consider the total effect of these to be minor compared with the restrictions. In Tampere, Finland, a city with a similar population, health care system, and behavioral habits to Helsinki, the incidence of injuries remained fairly the same between 2019 and 2021, when there were no major restrictions . In addition, Williams et al reported that the number of monthly rides and e-scooter–related emergency department visits correlated well, and there was no detectable decrease or increase in the monthly injury incidence during their study period from August 2018 to December 2019.…”

“…During the study period, Tampere had no specific e-scooter restrictions besides the 25 km/h speed limit. In 2022, the incidence of e-scooter injuries remained similar in Tampere (17 per 100 000 trips), even though in September 2021, the nighttime speed limit was decreased to 15 km/h in central areas, and since June 2022, the nighttime restrictions covered the whole city, but the daytime top speed was not decreased . In other countries with no distinct restrictions on e-scooter usage, the rate of injuries is reported to be 20 to 21 injuries per 100 000 trips .…”

“… 4 , 11 However, few studies have investigated the effect of restrictions. Most notably, Liukkonen et al 12 studied the effect of lowering the nighttime speed from 25 km/h to 15 km/h in Tampere, Finland. They did not find evidence of a difference in overall injury incidence before and after the implementation of this restriction.…”

E‐scooters: peril or panacea for personal mobility?

“…In addition, there were no barriers to the time or location of riding. Over time a variety of safety initiatives have decreased the dangers of e‐scooters with features such as speed limits, 6 curfews, 7 geofencing 8 and the availability of helmets 9 being introduced. Traffic separation however remains a major issue with e‐scooters being either ridden on the road with similar risks experienced by cyclists, or on the footpath where pedestrians represent a constant hazard both to themselves and to the riders who crash into them.…”