E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Hoverboards: A Rollercoaster of Injuries

Report Shows 21% Spike in U.S. Injuries Caused by E-Bikes and E-Scooters in One Year

US e-bike and e-scooter injuries surged by 21% in a year.

By Cara Murez

News Picture: U.S. Injuries From E-Bikes, E-Scooters Jumped 21% in One Year

E-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards have taken our sidewalks and streets by storm. But be warned, these trendy micro-mobility devices come with a hidden danger: injuries. A recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that injuries associated with these devices have skyrocketed, increasing nearly 21% in just one year.

Now, brace yourself for the numbers. The CPSC’s report is based on data collected from a nationwide sample of hospitals, spanning from 2017 to 2022. And boy, are there some eye-popping statistics. In 2022 alone, a whopping 46% of all estimated e-bike injuries occurred. Talk about an unexpected surge.

While e-bike injuries stole the show, hoverboards decided to defy the trend, boasting a decrease of 26% from 2021 to 2022. Now that’s quite the balancing act. However, the report does highlight a less amusing aspect: there were a total of 233 deaths associated with these devices between 2017 and 2022 (although reporting is still ongoing).

Children seem to be leading the charge in the injury department, accounting for a staggering 36% of e-bike, e-scooter, and hoverboard injuries from 2017 to 2022. That’s double the rate of the U.S. population they make up. And it’s not just the youngsters taking the fall. Black consumers represented 29% of injuries on these electric devices, a significantly higher proportion than their 13% representation in the overall population.

But hold on tight because we’re not done yet. Over 360,000 emergency department visits were directly related to these devices from 2017 to 2022. It seems our sidewalks have become a battleground of bruises and scrapes. The most common injuries, though, are fractures, because who needs a simple scrape when you can go all out?

Now, let’s talk about fires. The CPSC is aware of 19 deaths associated with electric device fires just between January 2021 and November 2022. That’s a hot topic, and not in a good way. So, here’s a safety tip: make sure your device complies with safety standards to avoid turning your electric ride into a barbecue.

Speaking of safety, let’s do a quick checklist of do’s and don’ts for riders:

Safety Recommendations for Riders
– Always wear a bicycle helmet to protect your noggin.
– Inspect your device before riding, including handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables, and frame.
– Make yourself visible because those gadgets can be sneaky.
– Assume others can’t see you and stay alert and cautious.
– When in doubt, use the bell or horn to announce your presence.
– Avoid unpredictable movements. We’re here for a smooth ride, not a circus experience.
– Watch out for obstacles that could throw you off balance. Slow down and lean back when encountering bumps.
– Say no to riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Safety first!
– No hitchhikers! A scooter is meant for one, not for creating a pile-up.
– Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines, including age and weight limits.

For those who like to dig deeper, the CPSC encourages reporting any safety incidents or concerns with consumer products at www.SaferProducts.gov.

So, remember, when it comes to these snazzy micro-mobility devices, excitement and caution must go hand in hand. Stay safe, be smart, and enjoy the ride!

More information

The National Fire Protection Association has more on e-bike and e-scooter safety.

SOURCES: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), news release, Oct. 17, 2023

SLIDESHOW

8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More

(Wanna see some cool stuff? Check out this slideshow!)

Hey there, readers! Have you hopped on the micro-mobility bandwagon yet? E-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards might be all the rage, but did you know they come with some perils? Injuries from these trendy devices have soared like never before, with a dramatic 21% increase in just a year. Brace yourselves for a wild ride as we dive into the surprising facts behind this two-wheeled adventure.

First things first, my friends, let’s start with the numbers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been studying the data collected from hospitals across America, and boy, it’s mind-boggling! In 2022 alone, a jaw-dropping 46% of all estimated e-bike injuries occurred. That’s like the sudden surge of a rollercoaster drop!

But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there. Hoverboards decided to take the stage and defy expectations with a 26% decrease in injuries from 2021 to 2022. Talk about balancing act mastery! However, amidst the dizzying highs and lows, we can’t forget the unfortunate reality of 233 deaths associated with these devices from 2017 to 2022 (and the count isn’t even final yet!).

Oh, and here’s a twist—the smaller ones are the ones taking the fall. Children have stolen the show, accounting for a staggering 36% of all e-bike, e-scooter, and hoverboard injuries from 2017 to 2022. It’s like they’ve decided to turn the streets into their own thrilling obstacle course. And hey, let’s not forget our black consumers, who represented a whopping 29% of these injuries, surpassing their population proportion by leaps and bounds.

Alright, ready for the next loop-de-loop? Brace yourselves because over 360,000 emergency department visits were directly related to these devices from 2017 to 2022. It’s clear our sidewalks have transformed into a battlefield of scrapes and bruises. Fractures, my friends, are the stars of the show because who needs a simple scrape when you can go all out?

But hold onto your helmets! We’ve got another challenge to tackle—fires! The CPSC has identified a staggering 19 deaths associated with electric device fires just between January 2021 and November 2022. We all love hot wheels, but this is not how we envisioned it.

Now, onto the safety checklist because we’re all about safety first:

  • Gear up, my friends, with a trusty bicycle helmet to protect your noggin.
  • Examine your device like a seasoned inspector, checking brakes, handles, tires, and everything in between.
  • Make yourself the star of the show! Shine bright, be seen, and stay safe.
  • Assume that others can’t see you because we’re dealing with quick and nimble gadgets here. So be cautious and alert at all times.
  • Ding-a-ling! Let the bell or horn announce your presence in style.
  • Avoid circus-style stunts. No unpredictable moves, folks!
  • Mind those bumps, jumps, and obstacles. Slow down, lean back, and savor the ride.
  • Keep your wits about you! No rides under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • It’s a solo act, my friends. Let’s not overcrowd those scooters.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions because they’re not just there to be decorative.

For those adventure seekers with an eye for detail, the CPSC encourages reporting any safety concerns or incidents with these devices on their website, www.SaferProducts.gov.

Stay safe, stay savvy, and keep those wheels turning, my fearless riders!

More information

The National Fire Protection Association has more on e-bike and e-scooter safety.

SOURCES: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), news release, Oct. 17, 2023