WTP4.14 Major Trauma Amongst E-scooter and Bicycle Users: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Abstract

Abstract Aims To determine the number of E-Scooter related admissions due to significant trauma in comparison to bicycle related trauma within England and Wales. To compare morbidity and mortality associated with each form of transport. Methods A retrospective cohort study based on data which has been prospectively collected and submitted to the UK Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) registry. Patients of any age who were admitted to major trauma centres or trauma units in England and Wales with injuries following E-Scooter or bicycle incidents between the dates 01/01/2021- 31/12/2021. All patients must have met TARN database inclusion criteria. Results There were 293 E-Scooter trauma incidents compared to 2538 bicycle incidents. E-Scooter users were more likely to be admitted to a major trauma centre (p=0.019) or an intensive care unit (p=<0.001). Amongst e-scooter users, serious head injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale >2) was almost twice as common (p=<0.001) and the rate of serious limb trauma was also higher in this group (p=<0.001). Rates of serious chest and pelvic trauma were greater in the bicycle cohort (p=<0.001 and p=0.003 respectively). Over a third of E-Scooter injuries were incurred outside the remit of current legislation by patients who were under the influence of alcohol and drugs (75/293) or under the age of 17 (41/293). Conclusions The relative incidence of moderate to severe injury amongst E-Scooter users is likely to outweigh bicycle users. These early results suggest an alternative pattern of injury amongst E-scooter users compared to bicycles.