Characterisation of e-scooter, e-bike and bicycle injuries by motor vehicle involvement: USA (2020–2024)
Bhavna Singichetti, Eric Wayne Lundstrom, Amy C Schumacher, Vaughn BarryBackground
Micromobility use and injuries in the USA have increased in recent years along with injuries from electric micromobility in particular. We examined USA emergency department (ED) visits between 2020 and 2024 involving e-scooters, e-bikes and bicycles overall and by motor vehicle (MV) involvement.
Methods
Using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data, we estimated annual weighted ED visit counts and percentages with 95% CIs for each micromobility category and by MV involvement. We also examined percentages by patient age group, sex, race and disposition.
Results
An estimated 2 532 882 ED visits involving e-scooters, e-bikes and bicycles occurred in the USA during 2020–2024, with 20.5% involving an MV. Individuals aged 18–39 years, males and Black individuals comprised a greater percentage of visits involving MVs than those not involving MVs. Hospital admission was consistently greater among MV-involved visits than those not involving an MV (eg, bicycle: 17.7% vs 9.5%). From 2020 to 2024, annual visit counts increased by 306% for e-scooters, 389% for e-bikes and 6.4% for bicycles.
Discussion
This study found that e-bike injuries had more MV involvement than those from e-scooters and bikes and that demographics varied by MV involvement. Our findings related to hospital admission and race align with prior literature.
Conclusions
The growing use of micromobility vehicles, and our findings that MV involvement is associated with increased hospital admission, emphasises the need for evidence-based strategies such as helmet use and separated roadways to reduce injuries and improve safety.