Electric Scooter Injuries Surge in 2024, Raising Safety Concerns

A new analysis of U.S. hospital data shows that electric scooter injuries soared by nearly 80% last year, climbing from 64,312 in 2023 to 115,713 in 2024. Once hailed as a green alternative to cars, scooters are now drawing attention for their role in road trauma — especially among children and young adults.

“Just a step or two out the doorway I walk out and just boom. I landed right on my hip, I could hear it and feel it,” said Seattle pedestrian John Stamstad, recalling a hit-and-run scooter incident. “There was a bike lane just 10 feet away… it wasn’t malicious, but it was negligent.”

Children and Young Riders at Risk

The sharpest rise in scooter injuries has been among children. Cases involving riders under 15 more than doubled in 2024, reaching 17,641. Experts warn that many scooters can accelerate to 25 mph or more, speeds unsafe for children still developing spatial awareness and decision-making.

From toddlers to teens, hospitalizations linked to scooters are now outpacing those involving adults over 35. Pediatric emergency physician Daniel Rosenfield likens the challenge to car driving: “From a cognitive perspective — how you judge distance, make turns — kids just aren’t ready.”

Head Injuries Dominate Cases

Head trauma is the most common injury, accounting for nearly one in five e-scooter ER visits last year. Doctors stress that helmets, long sleeves, and proper footwear dramatically reduce risks — but helmet use among scooter riders remains far lower than among cyclists.

“Kids need to be in appropriate safety gear,” said Dr. Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency physician. “That means helmets, sneakers, and protective clothing — not flip-flops and shorts.”

The severity of falls is also tied to speed: scooters often reach 30 km/h or faster, contributing to compound fractures and facial injuries rarely seen in bicycle accidents.

Men Ride More, But Women Face Higher Risks

Nearly 68% of scooter injuries in 2024 involved males, reflecting higher usage rates. But research suggests female riders are 1.5 times more likely to suffer injury crashes, potentially due to scooter design issues such as handlebar height and balance.

“This may suggest a need to rethink design standards for broader rider demographics,” said Nichole Morris, director of the University of Minnesota’s HumanFIRST Laboratory.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Weekend Spikes

Substance use is a major contributor: more than 10,000 scooter injuries last year involved alcohol or drugs, with alcohol-related crashes far more likely to result in head trauma.

Accidents also peak during leisure hours. July was the most dangerous month in 2024, with 14,424 injuries, and Saturdays proved riskiest, accounting for over 16% of cases.

A Crossroads for Cities

Advocates argue that scooters themselves are not inherently dangerous — it’s how and where they’re used. The National Association of City Transportation Officials has pushed for redesigned streets, lower speed limits, and protected bike lanes to make micromobility safer.

“Well-designed micromobility programs mean safer, more sustainable and resilient cities,” said NACTO Executive Director Corinne Kisner. “But without infrastructure, injury numbers will keep rising.”

As scooters continue to reshape urban mobility, cities face mounting pressure to balance the benefits of greener transport with the realities of safety risks.

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