UK analysis finds e‑scooters cause more serious injuries than motorcycles and bicycles

A new analysis of crashes in England and Wales finds that electric scooters expose riders to substantially higher risks of serious injury than motorcyclists and cyclists. The study, covering 18 cities between 2020 and 2022, reports markedly greater rates of traumatic brain injury and damage to blood vessels and internal organs among e‑scooter users.

Key findings and scale of the risk

The researcher who carried out the analysis, David Bodansky, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, used data from the National Register for Serious Trauma. His results show e‑scooter riders are three times more likely than motorcyclists to suffer a traumatic brain injury or vascular damage, and 1.5 times more likely to sustain internal‑organ injuries. The scooters were also at higher risk on the same measures compared with cyclists; the only outcome where scooter riders were at lower risk was bone fractures.

The study highlights vulnerable groups: women experienced one‑third more collisions than men and were twice as likely to suffer serious injuries, and children accounted for 16% of all e‑scooter injuries recorded.

Authors and road‑safety experts point to vehicle design and handling characteristics as contributing factors. Small wheels, a higher centre of gravity from standing posture, and sensitive steering make e‑scooters prone to sudden stoppages when wheels hit curbs, potholes or debris, increasing the severity of crashes.

Researchers and safety advocates are calling for design changes—such as adjustable handlebar heights to better accommodate women—mandatory helmet use and compulsory rider training, arguing that e‑scooters entered the public space without the formal training requirements applied to other motor vehicles.

In the UK, rental e‑scooter trials have been under way in England since 2020, but around one million privately owned e‑scooters are estimated to be on roads despite a legal ban on their use on public highways, pavements and cycleways; police forces have seized thousands for rule breaches. The study’s findings reinforce calls for clearer regulation of private scooters.

In North Macedonia, the Assembly passed amendments to the Law on Road Traffic Safety about a month ago under an expedited procedure. The changes set a maximum speed of 20 km/h in line with EU recommendations and restrict e‑scooter operation to people aged 18 and over.

Photo: Sloboden pechat / Slobodan Gjurikj