Electric scooter injury and trauma in Edmonton: a multicentre prospective and retrospective observational study.

Abstract

Background: The introduction of rentable electric scooters (e-scooters) has been associated with injury presentations to emergency departments (EDs). Our objective was to determine the incidence and severity of injuries from rentable e-scooters among adults presenting to EDs in a northern urban region.

Methods: Adults presenting to all Edmonton EDs with injuries related to rentable e-scooters during 3 summers (2019-2021) were eligible for inclusion. We identified e-scooter charts using multiple sources: administrative data, trauma registry, and text-based triage searching. Two independent reviewers assessed each patient for study inclusion; disagreements were resolved by content experts. Trained researchers performed data extraction and descriptive statistical analysis.

Results: We included 759 e-scooter-related injury presentations. The median age was 28 years, males and females were almost equally represented, 20% presented by ambulance, and 14% were triaged as urgent. Most patients had multiple injuries (62%), with fractures (32%) and head injuries (17%) being common. Helmet use was infrequent (2%) and concurrent substance use was prevalent (26%). Admission to hospital was uncommon (5.5%); however, 30% of patients presenting to an ED with an e-scooter injury required further follow-up, with 9% undergoing surgery within 30 days of their index visit.

Conclusion: Injuries related to rentable e-scooters are increasingly common. Most injured patients have multiple injuries and require investigations, and a third require further management. These injuries represent substantial burdens to patients and the health care system in Canada. Injury prevention strategies should be considered to reduce injuries.