The Hidden Cost of the Micromobility Boom
Electric scooters and e-bikes have transformed the way people travel. They're convenient, affordable, easy to access, and increasingly common on city streets, suburban roads, and college campuses. But as their popularity has soared, so have the number of serious injuries and fatalities associated with these vehicles.
A recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals a troubling trend: accidents involving micromobility devices are rising sharply, and motor vehicle collisions are among the leading causes of the most serious outcomes.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Between 2017 and 2024, an estimated 698,500 people were treated in emergency departments for injuries involving e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards. The breakdown is eye-opening:
- 380,000 emergency room visits involved e-scooters.
- 155,200 emergency room visits involved e-bikes.
- 163,300 emergency room visits involved self-balancing scooters (hoverboards).
Even more alarming, the CPSC is aware of 533 fatalities involving micromobility products during that same period. The number of reported deaths increased dramatically, from just 5 fatalities in 2017 to 135 fatalities in 2024.
Motor Vehicle Crashes Remain a Leading Danger
While product defects and battery fires receive significant attention, the report found that motor vehicle accidents and loss-of-control incidents were the top hazards associated with fatalities involving both e-scooters and e-bikes. Among e-bike injuries studied in 2024, nearly one in four (24%) was associated with a motor vehicle accident. These findings highlight a growing reality: as more riders share the road with cars, trucks, and SUVs, the risk of serious collisions increases.
Why Are So Many Crashes Happening?
The report identified several common factors that may contribute to accidents:
- Visibility challenges, especially after dark.
- Riders carrying bags, packages, or other items while operating.
- Distracted riding, including cell phone use and loud music.
- Uneven road surfaces and changing terrain.
- Higher travel speeds, particularly among e-bike riders.
Many injuries occurred on paved roads, where riders interact directly with motor vehicle traffic. For e-scooter riders, 54% of injuries happened on paved roads, while 58% of e-bike injuries occurred there.
Safety Equipment Helps…But It's Not Always Used
Helmet use remains inconsistent. The CPSC found that only:
- 18% of injured e-scooter riders reported wearing a helmet.
- 40% of injured e-bike riders reported wearing a helmet.
While helmets cannot prevent every injury, they remain one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious head trauma in a crash.
A Growing Concern for Drivers and Riders Alike
Micromobility devices aren't going away. In fact, their popularity continues to grow as more people seek alternatives to traditional transportation.
That means drivers must stay alert for e-bike and e-scooter riders, especially in urban areas, at intersections, and when making turns. Riders, meanwhile, should understand that they are often far more vulnerable than the occupants of passenger vehicles when a collision occurs.
Unfortunately, even the safest rider can be seriously injured by a distracted, reckless, or negligent driver.
At our firm, we work to hold negligent drivers and riders accountable and fight for the justice our clients deserve. If you or someone you love was involved in a road accident where you believe human or mechanical negligence was a cause, consider discussing your legal options with a top Philadelphia car accident law firm. Contact us to set up a time to meet at no charge to you.