E-Bike and E-Scooter Injuries Explode: Is Your City Ready for the Micromobility Crisis?

A shocking new study from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health reveals that injuries related to e-bikes and powered scooters have spiraled out of control between 2019 and 2022. The research highlights an alarming fourfold increase in injuries among e-bike users and a staggering 88% rise among powered scooter users—translating to spikes of 293% and 88%, respectively.

The study, titled 'The Burden of Injuries Associated With E-Bikes, Powered Scooters, Hoverboards, and Bicycles in the United States: 2019–2022,' has been published in the American Journal of Public Health. It underscores the urgent need for cities to enhance safety measures for micromobility users to facilitate a safer, more sustainable, and equitable means of transportation.

"Current statistics stress the importance of improving injury surveillance and recognizing strategies to ensure user safety in micromobility," stated Kathryn Burford, a postdoctoral fellow and the study’s first author. With e-bike sales skyrocketing by 269% and surpassing those of electric cars and trucks, the potential for harm is now critical.

Key findings from the research reveal that out of approximately 2,000,000 injuries across various micromobility devices—including bicycles, hoverboards, and scooters—most injuries were associated with traditional bicycles, followed by powered scooters and e-bikes.

Demo on the age and gender of the injured reveals:

- An overwhelming 76% of hoverboard injuries occurred in individuals under 18.

- The highest rate of micromobility-related injuries in older adults (ages 65-84) stemmed from bicycle-related accidents, closely trailed by e-bike incidents.

- Males were predominantly injured in incidents involving powered scooters and bicycles.

- Alcohol usage was notably higher in powered scooter injuries as compared to e-bike injuries, indicating a worrying trend regarding impaired riding.

- Helmet usage was infrequently reported among injured users; only about 20% of cases involved helmets, with hoverboard injuries showing the lowest incidence of helmet wear and a heightened risk of concussions.

Experts believe the surge in electric micromobility injuries is closely tied to inadequate access to protective gear and a lack of regulations—especially in shared systems like NYC’s Citi Bike, where helmet provision is not a requirement. "Inconsistent legislation regarding where these devices can be used and how to regulate riding under the influence remain substantial hurdles," noted Andrew Rundle, professor of epidemiology and senior author of the study.

To tackle this impending crisis, researchers call for better data collection regarding helmet use and risk factors, improved legislation on the use of micromobility devices, and enhanced infrastructure, including protected bike lanes in heavy traffic areas.

As cities continue to embrace micromobility as a vital component of urban transportation, it is imperative to implement effective safety measures. The question is: Will your city rise to the occasion before it's too late?