A study in the UK showed that the risk of injury for people riding electric scooters is extremely high
In the UK, it is illegal to ride electric scooters in public spaces. However, according to a recent study, their use is constantly increasing, and with it, the number of accidents resulting in injuries.
According to data published in the journal Scientific Reports, people who ride electric scooters face a higher risk of brain and internal organ injuries than cyclists or motorcyclists. The study also showed that women who ride electric scooters are at a higher risk of serious injury than men.
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Many European cities, such as Rome and Madrid, have already imposed restrictions on their use.
3.5 times more likely to suffer a serious injury
The study showed that, compared to motorcyclists, electric scooter riders were 3.5 times more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury. They were also 1.5 times more likely to sustain internal organ injuries and 3.2 times more likely to sustain injuries to their arteries or veins.
Compared to cyclists, the risk of brain injury was 1.7 times higher, the risk of internal organ injury was 1.4 times higher, and the risk of injuries to veins and arteries was 1.7 times higher.
However, the risk of fracture for electric scooter riders was 20% lower than for motorcyclists and 10% lower than for cyclists.
The study was conducted by a team of experts led by surgeon David Bondanski. Data from 15,247 patients in the National Severe Injury Registry were analyzed. Among them were 580 people riding electric scooters, more than 7,000 motorcyclists, and 7,740 cyclists.
It was also found that more than one in 10 scooter riders were children, who were at high risk of injury.
They don’t wear helmets
The study also found that very few of those riding electric scooters wear helmets—just 5.9%. By contrast, 75% of motorcyclists and 45% of cyclists wear one.
The team analyzed more than 23,000 collisions and near-misses involving electric scooters individually.
It showed that men had a 36% lower risk of collision than women—with women 2.1 times more likely to be seriously injured.
An analysis of both datasets “revealed previously under-explored trends” and socioeconomic factors, the researchers reported, such as a higher incidence of accidents in disadvantaged areas.
Fire Safety Concerns
Other concerns raised relate to the fire safety of certain electric scooters. According to the study, fires involving electric bicycles and electric scooters reached record levels in 2025 in the UK.
There were 147 reports of fires involving electric scooters during 2025—a 20% increase from the 123 recorded in 2024.
These incidents are often caused by defective batteries, conversion kits, and chargers. What is concerning is that fires involving lithium batteries used in electric bicycles and electric scooters can spread rapidly and produce toxic gases.
Source: in.gr
