E-scooter riders face significantly higher risks of serious injury compared with motorcyclists and cyclists, according to a recent analysis of trauma data from England and Wales. The findings highlight concerns over safety practices, including low helmet usage among e-scooter users, and point to potential measures to mitigate injury rates.

Researchers from Chelsea and Westminster Hospital reviewed injury data from the National Major Trauma Registry, examining 15,247 cases involving moderate-to-severe injuries sustained between 2020 and 2022. Of these, 580 involved e-scooter riders, over 7,000 involved motorcyclists, and approximately 7,740 involved cyclists. The study found that e-scooter riders were 3.5 times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries than motorcyclists. Additionally, they were 1.5 times more likely to sustain injuries to internal organs and 3.2 times more likely to experience damage to arteries or veins compared with motorcyclists. When compared to cyclists, e-scooter users faced 1.7 times greater risk of traumatic brain injury, 1.4 times higher risk of internal organ damage, and 1.7 times higher risk of vascular injury. Conversely, the risk of fractures among e-scooter riders was lower than that of cyclists and motorcyclists.

The study also examined helmet use across these groups, finding that only 5.9% of e-scooter riders used helmets, compared to about 75% of motorcyclists and 45% of cyclists. This low level of helmet usage among e-scooter users is widely seen as a major factor contributing to the severity of head injuries.

Further analysis of over 23,000 self-reported e-scooter collisions and near-misses indicated a gender disparity: men were 36% less likely to be involved in crashes than women, and women were found to be 2.1 times more likely to sustain severe injuries.

Lead researcher David Bodansky emphasized the need for stronger safety measures, including mandatory helmet laws and reduced speed limits for e-scooters. The study also suggested the use of geo-fencing technology to restrict e-scooter operation to safer areas. The authors wrote in the journal Scientific Reports that the “high burden of head trauma alongside low helmet use reiterates the need for mandatory helmet legislation.”

Currently, it is illegal to use privately owned e-scooters on public roads and pavements in the UK. However, rental e-scooters are permitted under government trial schemes in cities including London. Recent statistics show a slight increase in e-scooter-related collisions, with 1,312 incidents reported in 2024 compared to 1,292 in 2023. These collisions resulted in 1,390 casualties and six fatalities so far in 2024.

The Department for Transport has stated that these trials are conducted in a controlled environment to gather evidence before any potential legal changes aimed at integrating e-scooters safely into public transportation systems.