Characteristics and costs of electric scooter injuries in Helsinki: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background and purpose The incidence of electric scooter (e-scooter) injuries has increased drastically in numerous countries after widespread availability of shared e-scooters. The economic impact on society from a broader perspective has not been studied. We aimed to estimate the incidence of e-scooter injuries, describe the injury patterns, and estimate the costs of e-scooter injuries. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including all e-scooter-related injuries presented in the three adult emergency departments in Helsinki in 2021. We collected the patient data from the university hospital information system. Injury severity was evaluated based on the Abbreviated Injury Score. The cost of the hospital treatment was analyzed based on our hospital district’s service price listing. In addition, we recorded the total amount of sick leave days and estimated their economic impact. Results In total, 446 e-scooter injuries were identified and taken into the analysis (434 affecting riders and 12 non-riders). The median age of the patients was 26 (IQR 22–33), and 59% were male. 257 (58%) of the of the injuries were minor, whereas 155 (35%) were moderate, 30 (7%) serious, 3 (0.7%) severe, and one (0.2%) critical. Furthermore, 220 (49%) of the patients sustained head injuries. A major spike in accident incidence was seen during the weekend (Friday to Sunday) nights, accompanied by a proportional increase in patients with alcohol intoxication. Including both the costs of the hospital care and absence from work, the approximated total cost of e-scooter injuries was 1.7 million euros, with a median cost of a single accident being 1148 euros (IQR 399–4263 €). Interpretation: Considerable number of the injuries are moderate, severe, or worse. Comprehensive preventive measures must be conducted to decrease the incidence of e-scooter injuries. The use of helmets should be strongly encouraged to prevent severe head injuries. The nighttime bans during weekends and speed limits on e-scooters appear to be justifiable.

Electric scooter accidents leading to emergency department visits: influence of alcohol and outcomes in Stockholm, Sweden

“…Abbreviated injury scale ED Emergency department EMS Emergency medical services ISS Injury Severity Score STRADA The Swedish Traffic Accident Data Acquisition Electric scooters are a fairly new and increasingly popular way of getting around. This has resulted in more electric scooter injuries and hospital admissions and therefore increasing costs for public healthcare [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] . Injuries are often minor 9,10 , but head traumas are common and severe traumas and even deaths have been reported 1,4,[11][12][13][14] .…”

“…Electric scooters are a fairly new and increasingly popular way of getting around. This has resulted in more electric scooter injuries and hospital admissions and therefore increasing costs for public healthcare 1 – 8 . Injuries are often minor 9 , 10 , but head traumas are common and severe traumas and even deaths have been reported 1 , 4 , 11 – 14 .…”

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

“…On September 3, 2021, the following restrictions were established to decrease the incidence of injuries: (1) the daytime top speed was limited to 20 km/h as opposed to the previous 25 km/h, (2) the use of rental e-scooters was prohibited on Friday and Saturday nights between 12 AM and 5 AM, and (3) the nighttime top speed was decreased to 15 km/h from Sunday to Thursday nights between 12 AM and 5 AM. 13…”

Association of Nighttime Speed Limits and Electric Scooter–Related Injuries

“…1 Several nighttime restrictions have been attempted to decrease the number of injuries, but the outcomes of those restrictions have been evaluated only without the use of user data. 2,3 In addition, only limited data have been reported about the user database incidences of e-scooter-related injuries. 4,5 Hence, we aimed to examine whether nighttime speed restrictions are associated with the incidence of e-scooter-related injuries.…”

“…Electric scooters (e-scooters) are associated with a high risk of injuries, especially injuries occurring at nighttime or under the influence of substances . Several nighttime restrictions have been attempted to decrease the number of injuries, but the outcomes of those restrictions have been evaluated only without the use of user data . In addition, only limited data have been reported about the user database incidences of e-scooter–related injuries .…”