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E-Ride Dangers Rise: Safety Campaign Launched
5 Jun
Summary
- E-bike/scooter injuries rose 23% annually from 2017-2022.
- Children under 14 comprise over a third of these injuries.
- Head injuries and fractures are the most common e-ride injuries.
A new safety campaign, "E-Ride Ready," has been launched by experts from Michigan Medicine and AAA to address the rising number of injuries associated with e-bikes and scooters. This initiative comes as the popularity of these electric "micromobility" devices has surged significantly since approximately 2020.
Data indicates a concerning trend, with injuries from e-rides increasing by an average of 23% annually between 2017 and 2022. Alarmingly, children aged 14 and younger represent more than one-third of these injuries. Experts emphasize that the increased speed and weight of these devices make them harder to control, particularly for inexperienced young riders.
Head injuries are the most common type of injury reported from e-scooter and e-bike incidents, with fractures also being a frequent occurrence. The "E-Ride Ready" campaign strongly advocates for mandatory helmet use for all riders, including adults setting examples for children. It also provides guidance on obeying traffic laws and choosing devices with suitable speed limitations for younger users.
