What are the most common causes of electric scooter accidents?

Summary:

• Rider error is the leading cause of electric scooter accidents, accounting for 70-80% of cases. This can include speeding, inexperience, and not following traffic laws.
• Distracted riding, such as using a phone while riding, is another significant contributor to accidents.
• Road hazards, like potholes and uneven pavement, can cause riders to lose control and fall.
• Be aware of your surroundings, practice safe riding habits, and obey traffic laws to minimize your risk of an accident.

Electric scooters (e-scooters) have surged in popularity in the US, offering a fun and seemingly eco-friendly way to get around cities. However, alongside their rise, so too have e-scooter accidents. Understanding the most common causes is essential for riders, other road users, and policymakers to work towards improved safety.

Step 1: Rider Behavior

• Inexperience and Distraction: Many e-scooter riders are first-timers, unfamiliar with the handling and dynamics of these devices. Combine this with the distraction of using a phone while riding, and the risk of losing control or failing to react to traffic situations increases significantly.
• Impaired Riding: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major risk factor in e-scooter accidents. Impaired judgment and slower reaction times significantly heighten the chances of crashes.
• Reckless Behavior: Speeding, weaving through traffic, carrying passengers, and performing stunts all contribute to e-scooter accidents. Riders may underestimate the potential for injury due to the open design and relatively low speeds compared to cars.

Step 2: Infrastructure Issues

• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, cracks, uneven pavement, and debris can easily destabilize e-scooters due to their small wheels. Cities not originally designed for e-scooters can pose particular hazards.
• Lack of Dedicated Lanes: E-scooters often share space with cars, bikes, and pedestrians. Collisions can occur when drivers aren’t expecting e-scooters or when there’s confusion over who has right-of-way.
• Inadequate Signage and Lighting: Unclear rules about where e-scooters can operate and insufficient lighting at night increase accident risks.

Step 3: E-Scooter Malfunctions

• Brake Failure: This is one of the most dangerous mechanical issues. Brake problems can prevent riders from stopping quickly, leading to collisions, especially at intersections.
• Tire Problems: Flat tires or tire blowouts can cause sudden loss of control, particularly at higher speeds.
• Throttle Issues: Faulty throttles can cause unexpected acceleration or the inability to decelerate, leading to accidents.

Step 4: Motorist Behavior

• Visibility Issues: Drivers may not anticipate the speed of e-scooters or may overlook them entirely, especially in blind spots.
• Failure to Yield: Motorists not respecting right-of-way often leads to collisions, particularly when turning or at junctions.
• Aggressive Driving: Drivers who tailgate, swerve around e-scooters, or otherwise operate recklessly create dangerous conditions for riders.

Step 5: Other Factors

• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice make roads slippery, greatly increasing the risk of e-scooter accidents, as the small tires offer little traction.
• Dooring: Collisions with unexpectedly opened car doors are a specific hazard for e-scooter riders who operate too close to parked vehicles.

Data-Driven Insights

Several US-based studies illuminate the severity and causes of e-scooter accidents:

• Austin, Texas Public Health study: Of injured riders, head injuries were most common (48%), followed by upper limb injuries (70%), and lower limb injuries (55%).
• Consumer Reports: Their investigation highlighted recurring issues with brakes, throttles unexpectedly getting stuck, and scooter frames breaking.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Their analysis shows increasing e-scooter-related fatalities, many correlated with head trauma and collisions with motor vehicles.

The causes of e-scooter accidents in the US are multifaceted. Rider responsibility, improved infrastructure, better e-scooter maintenance, considerate motorist behavior, and clearer regulations all play a role in enhancing safety. It’s crucial to address these factors through a combination of education, engineering, and enforcement for e-scooters to fulfill their potential as a viable urban transportation option.