Injuries From Electric Bikes and Scooters: Illinois, U.S., 2021–2023

Abstract

Introduction

Micromobility device injuries and deaths continue to increase in the U.S., requiring public health input. The aim of this study was to describe injuries from micromobility devices in the state of Illinois and to determine whether there are differences in the patterns and severity of injuries from the use of electric devices (scooters/bikes) to inform future public health policy.

Methods

Outpatient and inpatient acute traumatic injuries related to micromobility device use that passed through the emergency room and were treated in Illinois hospitals from 2021 to 2023 were analyzed in 2024 using newly introduced ICD-10 codes for injuries resulting from electric scooters and other devices.

Results

Of 34,073 patients presenting with acute injuries from micromobility devices, the nature, severity, and mechanism of injuries differed for electric devices. Electric scooter injuries primarily occurred owing to falls (78.4%), whereas nearly half (45.4%) of electric bike injuries were caused by motor vehicle crashes (in traffic, nontraffic, or unspecified). Using cycling injuries as a reference group, users of electric devices were significantly more likely to be admitted to hospital (electric bikes AOR=1.62, p<0.05; electric scooters AOR=1.61, p<0.01), to be admitted to the intensive care unit (electric bikes AOR=2.39, p<0.01; electric scooters AOR=2.04, p<0.01), and to present with a traumatic brain injury (electric bikes AOR=1.3, p<0.05; electric scooters AOR=1.23, p<0.01).

Conclusions

Statewide hospital data demonstrate an increased likelihood of serious injuries associated with electric micromobility device use, relative to bicycles. These findings have implications for ongoing surveillance and safety promotion and further demonstrate the need for public health input into the use of personal electric micromobility devices in the U.S.