MICRO-MOBILITY BECOMES MORE POPULAR—AND MORE DANGEROUS

Scooter-sharing programs have experienced an exponential adoption rate since 2016, according to Grand View Research, a market research and consulting firm. Grand View Research expects the market to grow by 7.8% between 2022 and 2030. 

The micro-mobility mode is rapidly increasing in popularity as a means of transportation and for fun, and along with that growth comes a jump in the prevalence of crashes. A rider’s head is particularly at risk in e-scooter crashes, and it’s a significant problem. In a crash test designed to assess e-scooter (electric scooter) safety, head impact on the ground occurred in almost every case, and was often severe.

Those are the main findings of new research by DEKRA, a company based in Germany that conducts automotive testing, inspection and crash research. The goal of the testing was to evaluate head impact conditions and injury risk associated with e-scooter crashes, and to learn more about what happens to the human body during and after an impact. More than 160 individual simulated crash scenarios that included a range of factors, like initial speed, angle of impact with the curb and the size of the person on the e-scooter, were examined during the analysis. The head was found to be particularly at risk, researchers said, and in almost all cases, “there was an impact of the head on the ground with the risk of concussion.”

THE NUMBERS

The number of e-scooter-related emergency room visits in the U.S. has surged by nearly 450% from 7,700 in 2017 to 42,200 in 2021, according to a recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Those estimates likely represented an undercount, the federal agency added. One of the common causes of e-scooter accidents is poor infrastructure, as evidence shows that jurisdictions with more extensive bike lane networks were safer for e-scooter use, the Transportation Research Report stated. Many accidents involve physical structures such as curbs, maintenance hole covers and utility poles. In addition, roadway irregularities such as potholes and uneven surfaces are a greater danger to scooter riders than to bicycle riders, according to the report.

A number of other conditions can factor into crashes. CPSC found that 21% of victims cited darkness or other visibility problems, and 26% of riders said they were carrying something.

The vehicles can become safety hazards for many reasons, such as when they obstruct sidewalks when parked, are used by riders who are inexperienced, distracted or impaired, and when colliding with cars or pedestrians on sidewalks or roadways, according to a report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Transportation Research Board. 

GENDER DIFFERENCES

One important finding was the gender differences in crash and injury risk. Researchers found that males had a greater risk of being involved in an e-scooter crash, likely because they were generally more frequent riders, had fewer perceived concerns about safety, and were more prone to risk-taking behaviors while riding. However, females had a 1.5 times higher risk of being involved in an e-scooter-related injury crash than males. This may suggest a need to examine potential e-scooter design issues that may not adapt well to female riders, such as handlebar height, center of gravity, and required upper body strength.

E-SCOOTER USE IN GEORGIA

To legally operate an electric scooter in Georgia, riders must have a valid driver’s license or a full learner’s permit or driver’s license or permit. This requirement ensures that riders have a basic understanding of traffic rules and regulations. Additionally, there is a minimum age requirement for electric scooter riders, typically set at 16 years old. It is crucial for riders to meet these licensing and age restrictions to avoid potential legal consequences. Electric scooters can be ridden on bike paths, bike lanes and on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. You can't use them on sidewalks, and riders who are 16 or younger will need to wear a helmet while operating them.

When operating an e-scooter in Georgia, riders must obey all traffic laws, including traffic signals stop signs and speed limits. It is important to be aware of the surroundings and ride defensively, especially in high-traffic areas. Using designated bike lanes and paths when available can further enhance safety for both scooter riders and pedestrians.

CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY

Accidents happen, and even the most careful of e-scooter riders can be involved in a crash. If you are in an e-scooter accident and suffer injuries, contact Dave Thomas at The Thomas Law Firm for a free evaluation of your legal rights. Dave Thomas is an experienced personal injury attorney who will work tirelessly to recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages resulting from your accident.