The increased use of electric scooters and other micro-mobility products, such as e-bikes and hoverboards, brings both convenience and significant safety concerns. According to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), emergency room (ER) visits due to micro-mobility products rose by 70% from 34,000 in 2017 to 57,800 in 2020. Notably, ER visits related to e-scooters increased threefold over the same period. Some of the hazards identified by the CSPC include mechanical, electrical, and human factors.
However, it’s not just falling off the e-scooters that poses a risk, but also traffic accidents. Recent cases from Houston, Texas, where two riders of electric scooters were killed in separate hit-and-run incidents within three days, underscore this concern. Both accidents involved drivers who fled the scene, further highlighting the vulnerability of e-scooter users in traffic.
A comprehensive study conducted in Austin, Texas, provides a detailed insight into the injuries associated with electric scooter use. From September to November 2018, a total of 192 confirmed cases of e-scooter cases occurred in the city of Austin. 50% suffered head injuries, 70% experienced injuries to their upper limbs, 55% to their lower limbs, and 18% to the chest or abdomen. Alarmingly, more than a third of the riders sustained bone fractures, and nearly half had severe injuries such as bone fractures, nerve, tendon, or ligament injuries or had to spend more than 48 hours in the hospital. The study emphasizes the severe nature of e-scooter injuries and the pressing need for more rigorous safety measures on an individual and systemic level.
The CPSC works with industry partners to mitigate these hazards to improve voluntary standards for micro-mobility products. Furthermore, the CPSC recommends safety measures such as always wearing a helmet and thoroughly checking the e-scooter for any damage before use. Damage to the scooter, including its handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables, and frame, could lead to a loss of control and subsequent crash.
The experienced and aggressive accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an e-scooter accident. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to such injuries, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your rights.