- Researchers at UCSF have found that the number of injuries involving e-bikes and scooters has increased.
- Due to an increase in accidents and safety concerns, many tourist cities restrict the use of micromobility devices.
You might not expect the latest travel danger in cities.
Electric scooters You can also find out more about the following: e-bikes They are common in many cities around the world and are not inherently dangerous. The sheer number, coupled with the possibility of serious accidents, make them a serious travel hazard.
Researchers from UC San Francisco conducted a study in 2024 and found that injuries due to e-bikes had doubled from 2017 to 2022. And injuries due scooters increased by 45 percent per year.
In a press release, Adrian Fernandez (chief resident at the UCSF Department of Urology) said that “this increase in accidents has not only brought about a shift in demographics, but it also highlights an urgent need for additional safety measures.” on the UCSF website. “Micromobility Vehicles have undeniable environmental and health benefits, but structural change is needed to ensure safe riding.”
Many major tourist destinations have responded by banning or severely limiting e-scooters. Others are on the verge of doing so. E-bikes, as well as e-scooters, often act in a manner that can put pedestrians at risk.
Although serious injuries may be rare, they still happen. In 2024, in West Hollywood, a woman suffered a severe injury when she was struck by a motorized wheelchair. She was hospitalized for a brain swelling and a fractured head. A man from the United States was almost killed in Sydney after being struck by an ebike in a prohibited area. He required emergency brain surgery, and spent several weeks in a state of coma.
The majority of micromobility device-human encounters are unreported. These experiences can make tourists nervous and cause them to avoid cities.
Tourists who rent ebikes and scooters for fun rides in unknown cities can also be at fault. E-device riders may feel uncomfortable riding alongside cars on the main roads, but become a danger to pedestrians when they are on sidewalks. The use of designated scoots lane can be helpful, but is not always possible.
The UCSF website reported that “as micromobility devices become more embedded into our everyday lives, understanding and addressing safety challenges they present is critical.” Benjamin N. Breyer MD MAS, Taube Family Distinguished professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Urology said. We can then harness the potential of micromobility in order to create more sustainable and healthy urban environments.
