Nationwide Surge in Pediatric E-Scooter Injuries Spurs Safety Measures

Emergency departments and hospitals across the U.S. and internationally are reporting a significant rise in injuries among children and teens using electric bikes and scooters, with many cases involving serious head trauma and other life-threatening injuries. Doctors emphasize the importance of safety measures such as wearing helmets, especially since many injured riders are not compliant with these precautions. Factors contributing to the severity of accidents include high speeds—often exceeding 20 miles per hour—nighttime riding, distracted riding behaviors such as using phones or wearing headphones, and lack of protective gear. Some communities, like New Albany, are responding by enacting regulations including helmet requirements for minors and speed limits to enhance safety. Internationally, countries like South Korea and Hungary are also facing surges in e-scooter accidents, often involving underage or unlicensed riders, and suffering injuries ranging from skull fractures to internal trauma. Advanced medical technologies, such as photon-counting CT scanners, are aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of these complex injuries, highlighting the growing healthcare challenge posed by micromobility device accidents.