Injuries and Deaths from E-Scooter Incidents Have Increased

In recent years, we have experienced a rise in the dependence of automated scooters, such as e-scooters, both as a mode of transportation and as a hobby. From electronic rental scooters scattered around many cities, such as Baltimore, to motorized e-bikes that many are purchasing on their own, these devices are a modern go-to way to travel short distances without paying for public transportation. 

While we have witnessed this trend in recent years, it has provoked a more unsettling statistic as well—that injuries and even death caused by these products continue to increase. The product liability attorneys at Peter Angelos Law delve into the recent U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report that depicts the rising rate of e-scooter injury.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Reports on Micromobility-Related Injuries

In August of 2020, The CPSC released a detailed report titled “Micromobility Products-Related Deaths,

Injuries, and Hazard Patterns: 2017–2019.” The report detailed national injury estimates and patterns in micromobility-related incidents over the past few years. Notable statistics include that, between 2017 and 2019,  there were approximately 133,000 visits to the emergency rooms that were associated with micromobility devices. In addition, e-scooters are linked to the increase in emergency room visits over the past few years, with 7,700 visits in 2017 increasing to 27,700 visits in 2019. The CPSC has also reported 41 fatalities associated with micromobility products, though the current report may be incomplete.You can view the full CPSC report here.

The Most Common Micromobility Injuries Include Fractures and Abrasions

The CPSC reports that fractures caused by micromobility incidents are the most frequent catalysts of emergency room visits. Contusions and abrasions, as well as injuries on the upper and lower limbs, head and neck, are considered common micromobility-related injuries as well. 

Regarding the types of incidents that resulted in these injuries, unspecified falls were most commonly attributed to these injuries. Of the 41 reported deaths associated with micromobility vehicles, 26 deaths occurred due to motor vehicle incidents, seven due to loss of user control, three due to fire hazards, one death due to pavement injuries, one death due to a pedestrian accident, and three unspecified accidents. You can view more statistics regarding micromobility-related deaths documented here.

Many of these accidents occur due to the silent nature of e-scooters, which makes it more difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to spot e-scooters as they approach. In addition, many micromobility riders do not wear helmets when operating e-scooters, hoverboards or e-bikes, which significantly increases the chances of a head injury if falls occur. Lastly, many of these accidents occurred due to excessive speeding.

Consult the Baltimore Product Liability Attorneys at Peter Angelos Law If You Have a Case

While e-scooters have grown to be a new and unique way to travel short distances or explore areas of your town efficiently, they can also pose a threat to the health and safety of riders and those around them. If you or a loved one has been injured by e-scooters or another form of micromobility vehicle, contact the Baltimore product liability and motor vehicle accident attorneys at Peter Angeles Law today. Our attorneys can aid you in seeking the legal compensation you need and deserve.