E-Scooter Traumatic Brain Injuries: Reviewing a Rising Urban Health Crisis

Electric scooters (e-scooters) have rapidly become a staple of urban micro-mobility. However, their convenience comes with a significant increase in e-scooter traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). As these devices proliferate in cities across the globe, medical professionals are witnessing a concerning trend in head trauma severity and frequency.

Demographics and Mechanisms of Injury

A recent scoping review of 25 studies involving 3,088 patients highlights that young adults aged 26 to 40 are the primary victims. Furthermore, males represent over 61% of these cases. Falls account for a staggering 83% of injury mechanisms, typically occurring during evenings and weekends when recreational use peaks. Notably, alcohol intoxication affects nearly one-third of these patients, while drug use is present in approximately 13% of cases.

Clinical Patterns in E-Scooter Traumatic Brain Injuries

The severity of e-scooter traumatic brain injuries varies widely, ranging from mild concussions to life-threatening hemorrhages. Concussions are the most common diagnosis, appearing in 17.8% of patients. However, more severe findings include contusions (11.5%), subarachnoid hemorrhages (6.1%), and subdural hematomas (4.1%). Additionally, many patients suffer from associated maxillofacial trauma and upper limb fractures, complicating the clinical management. Consequently, nearly 22% of patients require surgical intervention to manage their intracranial injuries.

Outcomes and Public Health Implications

Hospitalization rates for these injuries are high, with 31.1% of patients requiring admission and 4.4% needing intensive care (ICU). While mortality rates vary, some studies report figures as high as 21.1%. Fortunately, most survivors achieve favorable functional outcomes at discharge. Nevertheless, the strikingly low helmet use rate of 2.4% remains a critical area for policy intervention. Therefore, healthcare providers must advocate for stricter safety regulations and public awareness campaigns to mitigate this growing health burden.

FAQs about E-Scooter Injuries

What are the most common risk factors for e-scooter head trauma?

The primary risk factors include the absence of a helmet, alcohol consumption, and riding during evening hours. Specifically, the review found that only 2.4% of injured riders were wearing helmets at the time of the accident.

How often do e-scooter accidents require surgery?

Approximately 21.8% of patients with e-scooter-related traumatic brain injuries require surgical intervention. This high rate reflects the potential severity of these urban accidents and the complexity of associated intracranial injuries.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Curpen P et al. Electric scooter-related traumatic brain injuries: a scoping review of injury patterns, risk factors, management, and clinical outcomes. J Neurosurg. 2026 Apr 03. doi: 10.3171/2025.9.JNS25947. PMID: 41931834.

2. Suominen EN, Sajanti AJ, Silver EA, et al. Alcohol intoxication and lack of helmet use are common in electric scooter-related traumatic brain injuries: a consecutive patient series from a tertiary university hospital. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2022;164(3):643-653. doi:10.1007/s00701-021-05098-2.

3. American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Neurosurgery Position Statement on Safety of Electric Bicycles and Scooters. 2025. [Accessed April 2025].