Abstract
Aim Since the introduction of shared electric scooters in Germany in June 2019, surgeons
have been treating injuries caused by these devices.
Methods In our Institution, we implemented the first registry to examine the pattern of injuries
and to gather epidemiological data on persons injured while riding electric scooters.
We conducted a prospective analysis of all patients treated in our Emergency Department
for an injury sustained while riding an electric scooter between June 2019 and June
2020. All patients were noted in a registry (E-SCORE = E-Scooter Register). The study
was approved by the institutional ethics board. Outcomes were first time of use, injuries,
imaging, alcohol and helmet use, age, length of hospital stay and surgical therapy.
Results 90 patients were identified. Mean age was 35.6 years (± 15.4); 65.5% were male. We
diagnosed 32 fractures and 7 ligament injuries. Injuries to the head were found in
38 patients; 8 had relevant intracerebral or maxillofacial injuries. Alcohol use was
noted in 18 (20%) patients, only 2 of whom wore a helmet (2.2%). 29 patients (32.2%)
required surgical intervention.
Conclusion This study highlights the significant number of head injuries in patients riding
electric scooters. Nevertheless, there are also a significant number of injuries to
the bones and ligaments, which required surgical treatment. Hardly any of the patients
was wearing a helmet and alcohol use was not unusual. In our opinion, scooter related
injuries are leading to an growing number of vehicle related injuries and could probably
benefit from some legal regulations, such as a blood alcohol limit and recommendation
for helmet use. Implementation of a nationwide registry might be useful in evaluating
injuries related to electric scooters.
Key words
electric scooter - injuries - brain trauma - prevention - epidemiology
