Micromobility Accidents Surge Across U.S., Study Finds

⁣ ⁣ Updated June 11, 2025

A new study from UC San Francisco highlights a critically important increase in injuries related to micromobility vehicles, specifically e-scooters and e-bikes.The research points to a surge in accidents across the U.S., raising concerns ⁤about safety as these modes of transportation become more popular.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, indicates that e-bicycle injuries doubled each year between 2017 and ⁣2022. During the same period, e-scooter injuries rose by 45%. Researchers analyzed data from emergency⁤ departments, considering factors like injury type, affected ⁢body region, and helmet use.

The data revealed that injured electric ⁣vehicle riders were⁣ generally older and less likely to wear helmets compared to riders of conventional bicycles and scooters. E-scooter riders also showed a higher likelihood of sustaining internal injuries, while upper extremity injuries were more common among conventional scooter and bike users. The rise in micromobility injuries underscores the need for enhanced safety measures.

the⁤ study examined nearly 2.5 million bicycle injuries,over 304,000⁤ scooter injuries,45,586 ⁣e-bicycle injuries,and approximately 189,517 e-scooter injuries in the⁢ U.S. during the study period. Both conventional and electric bike and scooter accidents were more prevalent in urban environments.

Notably, electric bike and ⁤scooter riders were more prone to risky behaviors, including riding under the influence and without helmets. The median age for ‍injured e-bicyclists was 39, compared to 30⁤ for conventional bikers. For e-scooter riders, the median age was 30, while it was just 11 for conventional scooter riders. This e-scooter accident data highlights the need for⁢ targeted safety interventions.

“The U.S. had a remarkable increase in micromobility injuries during the study period,” said Dr. Adrian Fernandez, chief resident with the UCSF Department of Urology. “This increase in accidents not only introduced a demographic shift, but also underscores an urgent need for added ⁤safety measures. There are undeniable health and environmental benefits to micromobility vehicle use, but structural changes must be taken to promote‍ safe riding.”

“Our findings stress a concerning‍ trend: helmet usage is noticeably lower among electric vehicle users, and risky behaviors, such as riding ⁣under the influence, are more prevalent,” said kevin D. Li, a dual degree candidate at UCSF.

The authors advocate for a extensive approach, including improved urban infrastructure to accommodate micromobility vehicles and public education campaigns promoting helmet use and responsible riding habits.

⁣ “As micromobility vehicles become ⁤more embedded in our daily lives, understanding and addressing⁤ the ⁤safety challenges⁢ they pose is critical,” said Dr.Benjamin N. breyer,‍ chair of the UCSF Department of Urology. ⁤”This not only involves adapting our urban landscapes but also fostering a culture⁢ of safety among riders. By doing ⁢so, we can⁣ harness the full potential of micromobility to create more sustainable, health, and safe urban environments.”

What’s next

Future efforts should focus on implementing safer infrastructure and promoting responsible riding⁤ to mitigate the ⁤rising tide of micromobility-related injuries.