Electric scooter injuries rise in US cities

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Injuries related to electric scooters, or e-scooters, rose in several cities in the US between August and September.

E-scooters grew in popularity as an alternative method to get around and avoid traffic congestion, thanks to services like Bird Lime and Skip. However, several emergency rooms in different cities also saw increased injuries related to these electric devices, reports The Washington Post.

The University of Utah Health’s emergency department reports that the eight cases recorded between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15 in 2017 more than doubled to 21 during the same period in 2018. Doctor Troy Madsen, who practices in the department, noted that patients who were mostly between ages 20 and 50 reported riding an e-scooter or a rental scooter. They were injured while trying to catch themselves from a floor.

Other emergency physicians in 12 cities around the US also saw spikes in scooter accidents, according to the report.

Some of the more common injuries included fractures; dislocations of ankle, wrists, elbows and shoulders; sprains; and lacerations. Severe injuries involved head trauma incurred when scooters would malfunction or flip over uneven surfaces. Some patients also reported being intoxicated and not wearing a helmet when they got injured.

Rental companies maintained that rider safety was their top priority. Said companies also have programs to provide helmets upon request and require going through an “in-app” tutorial on helmet safety before renting a scooter for the first time.

E-scooter use is also on the rise in the Philippines, particularly within the city proper where traffic congestion is at its worst. It would be advisable to ride safely and always wear a helmet to avoid sudden visits to the emergency room.  Alfred Bayle /ra

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