Abstract
IntroductionSince hoverboards became available in 2015, 2.5 million have been sold in the US. An increasing number of injuries related to their use have been reported, with limited data on associated injury patterns. We describe a case series of emergency department (ED) visits for hoverboard-related injuries.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review on patients presenting to 10 EDs in southeastern Virginia from December 24, 2015, through June 30, 2016. We used a free-text search feature of the electronic medical record to identify patients documented to have the word “hoverboard” in the record. We reported descriptive statistics for patient demographics, types of injuries, body injury location, documented helmet use, injury severity score (ISS), length of stay in the ED, and ED charges.ResultsWe identified 83 patients in our study. The average age was 26 years old (18 months to 78 years). Of these patients, 53% were adults; the majority were female (61.4%) and African American (56.6%). The primary cause of injury was falls (91%), with an average ISS of 5.4 (0–10). The majority of injuries were contusions (37.3%) and fractures (36.1%). Pediatric patients tended to have more fractures than adults (46.2% vs 27.3%). Though 20% of patients had head injuries, only one patient reported using a helmet. The mean and median ED charges were $2,292.00 (SD $1,363.64) and $1,808.00, respectively. Head injuries resulted in a significantly higher cost when compared to other injuries; median cost was $2,846.00.ConclusionWhile the overall ISS was low, more pediatric patients suffered fractures compared to adults. Documented helmet use was low, yet 20% of our population had head injuries. Further investigation into proper protective gear and training is warranted.
Highlights
Since hoverboards became available in 2015, 2.5 million have been sold in the US
Pediatric patients tended to have more fractures than adults (46.2% vs 27.3%)
While the overall injury severity score (ISS) was low, more pediatric patients suffered fractures compared to adults
Summary
Since hoverboards became available in 2015, 2.5 million have been sold in the US. An increasing number of injuries related to their use have been reported, with limited data on associated injury patterns. Self-balancing personal transporters are increasing in popularity since they were first made available for commercial use in 2001 Previous models, such as the Segway®, had a handle bar for balancing and increased control, yet significant injuries were still reported with the use of these devices.[1,2,3,4] Recent hands-free models, commonly referred to as “hoverboards,” have only been available commercially since 2015.5 It is estimated that 2.5 million hoverboards have been sold in the U.S, totaling nearly one Volume 18, no. The hoverboard is a two-wheeled device that can reach speeds up to 16 miles per hour.[5] As compared to the Segway®, which contains a sensor in the handlebar for control, each wheel of the hoverboard is responsive to slight movements of each foot independently This design allows one to move forward, backward, or rotate with only minimal movement of the feet. With this new form of travel, there have been emerging guidelines for rider protection, including helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and shoes,[5,8] but compliance and evidence behind these guidelines are unknown
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