Researchers investigate the nature of micromobilty accidents

A new study at the University of California has looked into the soaring number of injuries caused to electric bikes and e-scooter users, highlighting the need for greater efforts to educated the riders. 

E-cyclist injuries – those which required a hospital visit – were found to have doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, while e-scooter injuries rose by 45%.

Naturally, as the number of e-bikes and scooters has grown, so have the accidents. In 2017 there were 751 reported e-bike injuries and by 2022 this had risen to 23,493

Similarly, e-scooter injuries leapt from 8,566 to 56,847

Co-lead author Adrian Fernandez, MD, chief resident with the UCSF Department of Urology said: ‘The U.S. had a remarkable increase in micromobility injuries during the study period. 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.’

The research, believed to be the first such investigation into recent injury patterns in the U.S. found the following:

Percentage wearing helmets at the time of injury:

• Cyclists : 53%
• e-cyclists: 44%

Percentage over the legal alcohol limit at the time of injury:

• cyclists : 4%
• e-cyclists: 7%
• e-scooter users: 9%

Average age of users at time of accident

• cyclists : 30
• e-cyclists: 39
• e-scooter users: 30

Kevin D. Li, a 2025 dual candidate pursuing medical and master’s degrees at UCSF added: ‘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.’

The authors urged a multifaceted response, including better infrastructure in urban areas to accommodate the small vehicles, and education campaigns that promote helmet use and sober riding.

Benjamin N. Breyer, chair of the UCSF Department of Urology said: ‘As micromobility vehicles become more embedded in our daily lives, understanding and addressing the safety challenges they pose is critical. 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.’