E-scooter incidents in Berlin: an evaluation of risk factors and injury patterns

Abstract

Background: E-scooters have emerged as a frequently used vehicle in German cities due to their high availability and easy access. However, investigations about the causes and mechanisms of E-scooter incidents and their trauma-specific consequences are rare.

Methods: We analysed all patients involved in E-scooter incidents from June to December 2019 who presented to four inner-city EDs in Berlin. The prospective data included patient-related and incident-related data, information on injury patterns and therapy, responses in a voluntary questionnaire concerning E-scooter use and general traffic experience.

Results: 248 patients (129 males; median age 29 years (5-81)) were included: 41% were tourists and 4% were children. Most incidents (71%) occurred between July and September 2019, the majority occurring at weekends (58%). The injury pattern was mostly multifocal, affecting the lower (42%) and upper limbs (37%) and the head (40%). Traumatic brain injury was associated with alcohol consumption. Inpatient admission was recorded in 25%, surgery in 23%.

Conclusion: This study has defined the incidence of injury related to E-scooter use in a major European city. Stricter laws governing the use of E-scooters, the wearing of helmets and technical modifications to the E-scooter platforms might decrease E-scooter-associated incidents and resulting injuries in the future.

Trial registration number: German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00018061).

Keywords: accidental; emergency department; musculoskeletal; trauma.

Figure 1

Percentage distribution of the emergency admissions according to the months, the time groups and the day (weekdays: Monday–Thursday, weekend: Friday–Sunday). The numbers on top of the bars show the absolute numbers.

Figure 2

Soft tissue laceration at the medial malleolus of a 30-year-old female patient after hitting the rear screw while accelerating the E-scooter.

Figure 3

Distribution of injuries with regard to body region. The numbers represent the number of patients suffering from each injury. Multiple localisations might be affected. A total of 136 head injuries occurred in 101 patients. Thus, multiple injury entities are possible per patient. ICH, intracerebral haemorrhage; TBI, traumatic brain injury.

Figure 4

Screw at rear wheel of an E-scooter.

Figure 5

Distribution of the fractures and their location at the upper extremities (left) and at the lower extremities (right) (n=number of patients). One patient suffered from fractures at upper and lower limbs (fracture of the thumb and pertrochanteric femur fracture on same side).

Figure 6

Total distribution of injury types. Soft tissue damage including bruises, grazes, laceration and other wounds. Ligamentous damage occurred especially in combination with luxation or in case of clinically suspected.