The accelerating scars of electric micromobility: Review of global injury patterns, electrical hazards and regulatory imperatives

Abstract:

The swift worldwide adoption of electric micromobility vehicles has transformed urban mobility, but it has simultaneously ignited a pressing public health emergency through surging injuries. This narrative review methodically compiles English-language peer-reviewed studies from January 2020 to December 2025, emphasizing original investigations into injury profiles, occurrence rates, and risk elements among diverse populations and regions globally. Results indicate a marked yearly escalation in grave injuries, chiefly affecting the head, neck, and limbs. Primary drivers encompass minimal helmet adoption, riding while intoxicated, intrinsic defects in vehicle engineering, and deficient roadway setups. Notably, notwithstanding their powered components, academic sources show no records of electrocution deaths linked to E-scooters or E-bikes in routine operation. Affected groups commonly involve elderly men, alongside an overrepresentation of Black persons. Governance structures, particularly in areas such as India, trail far behind this tech boom. Underscoring forensic examination’s vital function in crash recreation and accountability claims, we stress the pressing demand for holistic regulations, enhanced infrastructure, rider-focused training, and tech innovations to curb this mounting health challenge and foster secure micromobility adoption.