The Effect of Nighttime Rental Restrictions on E-Scooter Injuries at a Large Urban Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Safety policy for e-scooters in the United States tends to vary by municipality, and the effects of safety interventions have not been well studied. We reviewed medical records at a large, urban tertiary care and trauma center in Atlanta, Georgia with the goal of identifying trends in e-scooter injury and the effects of Atlanta’s nighttime ban on e-scooter rentals on injuries treated in the emergency department (ED). Records from all ED visits occurring between June 2018 through August 2020 were reviewed. To account for ambiguity in medical records, confidence levels of either “certain” or “possible” were assigned using a set of predefined criteria to categorize patient injuries as being associated with an e-scooter. A total of 380 patients categorized as having certain e-scooter related injuries were identified. The average age of these patients was 31 years old, 65% were male, 41% had head injuries, 20% of injuries were associated with the built environment, and approximately 20% were admitted to the hospital. Approximately 19% of patients with injuries associated with e-scooters noted to be clinically intoxicated or have a serum ethanol level exceeding 80 mg/dL. The implementation of a nighttime rental ban on e-scooter rentals reduced the proportion of patients with e-scooter injuries with times of arrival during the hours of the ban from 32% to 22%, however this effect was not significant (p = 0.16). More research is needed to understand how e-scooter use patterns are affected by the nighttime rental ban.

The rise and falls of electronic scooters: A Tasmanian perspective on electronic scooter injuries

“…Retrospective analysis from the US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System revealed a 354% increase in injuries from powered scooters in 18-34 year olds between 2017 and 2018. 1 In our region, a 3-month study of the Auckland eScooter trial demonstrated an increase in injuries, including severe head injuries, 3 and the trial was temporarily halted amidst safety concerns. The Auckland experience highlighted the benefits of greater regulation, including zero blood alcohol limits, reduced speed limits and mandatory helmet use.…”

“…Introduction of eScooters often occurs without local government input and safety regulations vary between settings. Retrospective analysis from the US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System revealed a 354% increase in injuries from powered scooters in 18–34 year olds between 2017 and 2018 1 …”

“…Electronic scooter (eScooter) popularity has soared since the introduction of eScooter renting systems in the USA in 2017. eScooters can be located using an app, ridden to their destination and deposited without a specific docking terminal. Many eScooter users see them as environmentally friendly, cost‐effective and convenient 1 . However, other community members believe eScooter riders pose a risk to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, as well as to themselves 2 .…”

“…Many eScooter users see them as environmentally friendly, cost-effective and convenient. 1 However, other community members believe eScooter riders pose a risk to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, as well as to themselves. 2 Recognising concerns about eScooters, but also their potential utility for the local community, we aimed to explore the burden of injury from eScooters presenting to Tasmania's major trauma centre during the first 6 months of the Hobart eScooter trial.…”

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

“…However, the effect on ED time of arrival was not significant in their study (p = 0.16). [28] Considering the high incidence of injuries during late evenings and nights in our material, the rental ban on nighttime appears to be justifiable. However, extensive conclusions cannot be drawn as the period with restrictions were brief and seasonal factors affect e-scooter usage drastically.…”