Analysis of Injuries Caused by Electric Scooters Admitted to the Emergency Department: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate and analyze the patterns, types, and epidemiology of E-scooter-related injuries presenting to the emergency department as well as to determine possible factors that may affect the severity of injury.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study conducted in an inner-city tertiary education and research hospital with 290,000 annual emergency admissions in tax in Istanbul, Turkiye. The study period was defined as 01.02.2022-01.02.2023. Patients presenting to the emergency department with an electrical scooter injury were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 137 electrical scooter cases were included in the study. Our results revealed a male predominance (73.7%), with the highest incidence observed in the 17-25 age group. Most accidents involved the electrical scooter rider (92.7%), occurring predominantly as falls (75.2%) and commonly on main roads (70.8%). Accidents were more prevalent during weekdays and between 07:00 and 18:00, aligning with commuting hours. In terms of severity, 83.9% were classified as minor (ISS < 9), 9.5% as moderate (ISS = 9-15), 2.9% as severe (ISS = 16-25), and 3.6% as critical (ISS > 25). Traumatic brain injuries were observed in 12 patients. 4.4% had concussion, and 4.4% intracranial hemorrhage. One of the patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage died in an intensive care unit.

CONCLUSION

Although minor injuries are more common, the fact that we have a deceased case and patients with potentially fatal traumatic brain injuries suggests accidents involving electrical scooters should be carefully examined and preventive measures and regulations should be implemented by the governments.