Abstract
Since the introduction of rental E-scooters in Germany in mid-June 2019, the safety of this new means of transport has been the subject of extensive public debate. However, valid data on injuries and usage habits are not yet available. This retrospective two-center study included a total of 76 patients who presented to the emergency department following E-scooter-related accidents. The mean age was 34.3 ± 12.4 years and 69.7% of the patients were male. About half of the patients were admitted by ambulance (42.1%). Fractures were found in 48.6% of patients, and 27.6% required surgical treatment due to a fracture. The upper extremities were the most commonly affected body region, followed by injuries to the lower extremity and to the head and face. Only one patient had worn a helmet. In-hospital treatment was necessary for 26.3% of the cases. Patients presented to the emergency department mainly during the weekend and on-call times. This is the first report on E-scooter-related injuries in Germany. Accidents with E-scooters can cause serious injuries and, therefore, represent a further burden to emergency departments. The use of E-scooters appears to be mostly recreational, and the rate of use of protective gear is low.
Highlights
At the end of 2017, rental electrically powered scooters (E-scooters) were first introduced in the USA as a new, nationwide means of transport [1]
All patients involved in an accident with an E-scooter who presented by ambulance or independently to the emergency department of one of the two hospitals were included in this prospective observational study
Of the 76 patients, 13.2% (n = 10) stated that they suffered from a pre-existing morbidity, and 10.5% (n = 8) were on permanent medication of any kind prior to the accident
Summary
At the end of 2017, rental electrically powered scooters (E-scooters) were first introduced in the USA as a new, nationwide means of transport [1]. In Germany, the E-scooter is equivalent to a bicycle in terms of traffic law, and the use of sidewalks is officially prohibited. According to press and police reports, traffic offences, such as the use of sidewalks, have occurred regularly since these vehicles were introduced. Given that this is a new means of transport, meaning that riders may have insufficient experience in handling the scooters, an increased number of injured persons was expected in Germany. Reliable national data on E-scooter-related injuries are not yet available
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