Scientists report sharp increase in scooter injuries

July 16, 2018

Motorized Scooters Make a Difference in the Pedestrian Cities of Santa Monica, California, Washington, DC They are ubiquitous, inexpensive to rent, easy to unload and fun.

They are also dangerous. According to a Cedars-Sinai emergency physician, these small electric vehicles marketed by various companies leave behind a trail of wounded and pedestrians

"We see all types of patients getting hurt when they do not no experience with scooters, "said Sam Torbati, MD, co-chair and medical director of Cedars-Sinai's Ruth and Harry Roman Emergency Department, adding that older patients are particularly vulnerable.

Although Cedars-Sinai's emergency department does not have the exact number of injuries related to scooters, said Torbati, his colleagues and he noted a "net increase" in patients seeking treatment for injuries to the head, wrist, elbow and hip related to the use of scooters.

"Pilots generally do not wear protective gear as a headphones, a knee pad, elbow pad or wrist guard, "added Torbati. They are also prone to wearing ear buds while navigating sidewalks and other narrow spaces, making them unaware of surrounding traffic and sidewalk users.

Cyclists are not the only ones injured, Torbati said. Pedestrians are also at risk of bodily injury by avoiding scooters on sidewalks.

Despite the risks, the phenomenon is gaining popularity. According to a report by Forbes magazine in February, more than 250,000 rides had been taken on the 1,000 scooters of a company.

Rechargeable and dockless vehicles are rented for about $ 1, plus 10-15 cents per minute, which makes them inexpensive and available everywhere riders abandon them when they have finished driving.

Still, "it's a motorized vehicle, no safer than driving a moped," Torbati said. "If you fall, you will hurt yourself."

To avoid injury, Torbati recommends that cyclists follow these simple guidelines:

• Wear protective gear such as helmets and wrist guards
• S & 39 abstain from one-handed maneuvers
• Turn off the phone and other annoying devices
• Do not wear headphones while driving
• Stow scooters properly to avoid the risk of falling