Overview

A recent study by NYU Langone Health reveals a troubling trend in Los Angeles and Orange County: as the popularity of e-bikes and scooters surges, so too do the rates of serious injuries. The findings highlight the severity of injuries associated with these modes of transport, particularly traumatic brain injuries.

Between 2018 and 2023, researchers analyzed data from 914 patients treated at a New York City trauma center, uncovering that e-bikes and scooters now represent a significant percentage of trauma admissions.

Key details

  • E-bikes and scooters account for 6.9% of all trauma admissions.
  • Approximately 68% of injured individuals were hospitalized.
  • 30% of those injured required intensive care.
  • About half of the injured patients underwent surgery or medical procedures.
  • One in three injured riders suffered a traumatic brain injury.
  • The leading cause of injury was collisions with vehicles, not falls.
  • Nearly half of all injury cases involved accidents with cars.
  • Pedestrians hit by e-bikes experienced higher rates of brain trauma (56.5%) compared to riders (30%).
  • Helmet use was low, with only 31.7% of riders wearing one at the time of injury.
  • Riders not wearing helmets had significantly higher rates of brain and facial injuries.
  • About 20% of injured riders were intoxicated, leading to worse brain injuries.
  • Alcohol consumption among riders mirrored risky behaviors seen in car accidents.

Context

The study's findings underscore a growing public safety concern as e-bikes and scooters become more prevalent on the streets of Southeast L.A. County, where the infrastructure may not adequately support the increasing number of riders.

What happens next

Addressing these issues may require enhanced safety measures, including promoting helmet use and considering infrastructure improvements to better accommodate e-bikes and scooters.

What we don't know yet

Details on the specific demographics of the injured riders and pedestrians, as well as the exact locations of the incidents, are not confirmed.