2022 Electric Scooter Accident Statistics

The Risks and Dangers of Electric Scooter Accidents

Over the past few years, electric scooters have seen a boom all over the U.S., especially in big cities like Los Angeles. They’re popular for its accessibility: you can start using it for as little as $1 plus mileage with a simple scan on your smartphone. And though e-scooters can be an easy way to get around busy streets, they can also be extremely dangerous for inexperienced riders and bystanders. 

E-scooter companies have reported tens of millions of rides. And with that much usage, it’s expected to assume that hundreds of falls are occurring. Victims of a scooter accident are welcomed to contact our qualified scooter accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers. We will assess your case to determine what necessary courses of action are needed to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

Electric Scooter Accident Statistics in 2022

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that e-scooter popularity has increased. However, injuries have also been on the rise. It has been reported that 4,583 injuries occurred due to e-scooter accidents in 2014. This number increased to 14,641 in 2018.

Hospital visits, for their part, also soared 365 percent. During that time period, U.S. emergency rooms treated nearly 40,000 people for broken bones, head injuries, cuts, and bruises resulting from e-scooter accidents. Nearly a third of all patients incurred a head injury, double the rate experienced by cyclists.

People in the 18 to 34 age group were the most likely to sustain e-scooter injuries. Hospital admissions in this age group, during the study period, skyrocketed by 354 percent.

“While most people recover from head injuries, there is going to be a subset with long term disability and life changes,” the co-author of the study Dr. Benjamin Breyer of the University of California, San Francisco told Reuters. “I would like people to be aware of the risks and protect themselves.”

According to this study, standing e-scooters contributed to 249 emergency room visits from September 2017 to August 2018 in Los Angeles. The most common injuries that were reported included bone fractures, dislocation, lung contusions, soft-tissue injuries, and splenic laceration. 91.6 percent of participants involved in a scooter accident were riders who had fallen off the scooter, crashed with an object, or were struck by a vehicle. 8.4 percent of respondents were involved in a pedestrian accident from tripping on a scooter or attempting to lift it up. Fortunately, these were not life-threatening injuries, however, two patients had to be sent to the intensive care unit (ICU) for further treatment.

In contrast, a UCLA study found that only 195 visits were made for bicycle-related injuries and 181 for pedestrian injuries.

It is appropriate to say that there is a lack of codified e-scooter regulations in the state of California. In many cities, there simply are no traffic rules or regulations for e-scooters. As it stands, there are very few rules that control where scooters can and cannot go and these decisions are mostly left to local governments to decide. 

There are not many rules that control where e-scooters can and cannot go and many of these decisions are left to local governments to decide. This can become confusing, especially as it relates to issues of liability. One city may require their riders to remain strictly on the sidewalk or use helmets, while a neighboring city may allow them to ride on the street, as well.

California Scooter Laws

In California, the state assembly passed a 2018 bill to add clarification regarding the legality of e-scooter usage. It also offers individual cities the opportunity to pass laws that make sense for their communities. According to California law, scooters are legal, though there a few restrictions:

1. Scooter riders are required to have a learner’s permit or a valid driver’s license.
2. Scooter riders are required to wear a helmet.
3. Scooter riders are not allowed to ride at speeds over 15 mph.
4. Scooter riders are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk.
5. Scooter riders cannot exceed 25 mph unless they are in a bike lane.

Even while following scooter safety guidelines, a vast majority of all e-scooter accidents are caused by someone’s negligence. If you were injured while using a scooter, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the guilty party for your losses.

Determining liability and available damages after an e-scooter accident can be best handled by an experienced scooter accident attorney. If you were involved in a scooter accident, there are important steps to take to help preserve your rights and strengthen your claim.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one was involved in a scooter accident, our qualified scooter accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you recover compensation for the losses you have suffered, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. There are no financial risks involved when using our services. 

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. No fees are paid until your case is settled. Reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form.