Injuries and deaths associated with what are known as “micro-mobility products” such as e-scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes are on the rise, according to a new report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The report says there were about 133,000 emergency room visits associated with all micro-mobility products from 2017 through 2019.
What the Report Shows
Much of the increase in emergency department visits involve e-scooters, which rose from 7,700 in 2017 to 14,500 in 2018 to 27,700 in 2019. A majority of hoverboard injuries seen in emergency departments, about 67%, involved children under age 15. By contrast, 58% of injuries involving e-scooters involved people 25 and older. The two most common types of injuries seen in emergency departments were fractures and contusions or abrasions.
The most frequently injured body parts were upper and lower limbs as well as the head and neck. The most common causes were falls caused by the loss of user control, collisions with other vehicles, and pavement issues. CPSC reported 41 deaths linked to these products from 2017 to 2019.
Safety Tips for Users
Here are some of the tips that can help prevent injuries caused by e-scooters:
- Always wear a helmet to protect your head from falls and collisions.
- Before renting or riding an e-scooter, make sure that the handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, and other parts work well. If any parts are damaged, you could lose control and crash. Be sure to test the brakes.
- E-scooters are small, quick, and silent. See and be seen. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Always keep both hands on the handlebars and keep items off the handlebars.
- Never ride when you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Check an E-scooters safety information such as weight and age limitations.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective e-scooter or hoverboard, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced product defect lawyer will be able to advise victims regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2020/E-Scooter-Related-Injuries-Are-on-the-Rise-CPSC-Releases-New-Study-and-Public-Service-Announcement
