Abstract
PurposeClinicians have increasingly encountered traumatic brain injuries (TBI) related to electric scooter (ES) accidents. In this study, we aim to identify the modifiable risk factors for ES-related TBIs.MethodsA retrospective cohort of consecutive patients treated for ES-related traumatic brain injuries in a tertiary university hospital between May 2019 and September 2021 was identified and employed for the study. The characteristics of the accidents along with the clinical and imaging findings of the injuries were collected from the patient charts.ResultsDuring the study period, 104 TBIs related to ES accidents were identified. There was a high occurrence of accidents late at night and on Saturdays. In four cases, the patient’s helmet use was mentioned (3.8%). Seventy-four patients (71%) were intoxicated. At the scene of the accident, seventy-seven (74%) of the patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13–15, three patients (3%) had a score of 9–12, and two patients (2%) had a score of 3–8. The majority (83%) of TBIs were diagnosed as concussions. Eighteen patients had evidence of intracranial injuries in the imagining. Two patients required neurosurgical procedures. The estimated population standardized incidence increased from 7.0/100,000 (95% CI 3.5–11/100,000) in 2019 to 27/100,000 (95% CI 20–34/100,000) in 2021.ConclusionsAlcohol intoxication and the lack of a helmet were common in TBIs caused by ES accidents. Most of the accidents occurred late at night. Targeting these modifiable factors could decrease the incidence of ES-related TBIs.
Highlights
At the end of 2017, rental electric scooters (ESs) were first introduced into the USA as a new, nationwide means of transport
There was a peak of injuries late at night: 81% of the accidents occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. (Fig. 2)
The injuries were most common during the summer months: 82% of the accidents occurred between May and September (Fig. 3)
Summary
At the end of 2017, rental electric scooters (ESs) were first introduced into the USA as a new, nationwide means of transport. They have become a significant means of transportation for urban residents and have assumed a substantial portion of the micro-mobility market in cities worldwide. In Finland, the maximum speed of ESs is limited to 25 km per hour. In the middle of July 2021, the maximum speed was lowered to 15 km/hour during the night at weekends (Fri-Sun, from 23:00 to 05:00). ESs are treated in a similar way to bicycles concerning helmet use and intoxication. Helmets are required by law but not enforced. Driving under the influence of alcohol is forbidden but not strictly enforced unless the driver causes evident danger to the public
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