How Safe Are Electric Scooters? What Every Rider Needs to Know

Electric scooters, electric bikes and other personal rideables are everywhere now. People use them for fun, commuting and quick trips around town. They are popular because they are easy to use, portable and often more environmentally friendly than cars. But electric scooter safety matters now more than ever. These devices can move at high speeds and accidents can happen, even to careful riders. Health experts say understanding the risks and knowing how to ride safely helps prevent emergency room visits and serious injuries.

Melissa Luxton , a trauma outreach and injury prevention coordinator with Banner-University Medicine, explains that many crashes happen simply because riders are unfamiliar with how electric scooters and e-bikes operate. Their popularity means more people are riding them, and that has led to more injuries.

What Counts as an Electric Rideable

Electric rideables include several types of devices you might spot on busy streets or bike paths. They range from electric bicycles (e-bikes) that use a battery-powered motor to help with pedalling, to electric scooters (e-scooters) that are stand-up, two-wheeled scooters powered entirely by a battery. Other devices include hoverboards and onewheels, which are self-balancing boards steered by leaning. Speeds for these rideables vary. Some models go around 10 to 20 miles per hour, while high-performance versions can exceed 40 miles per hour.

The variety of rideables and their speed capabilities make electric scooter safety awareness essential before you get on one.

Common Injuries From Electric Scooters

No matter how careful you are, accidents can occur. Even small bumps in the road, like a pothole or a crack, can throw a rider off balance. Emergency rooms nationwide are seeing rising numbers of injuries from scooters and e-bikes, often more than from regular bicycles.

Luxton says, “The most common injuries we see are fractures, especially to the wrist, arm and collarbone, traumatic brain injuries and facial trauma. Riders often try to catch themselves during a fall, which leads to broken bones in their hands and arms. Without helmets, even low-speed crashes can cause concussion and more serious brain injuries.”

These injuries match trends in other studies, which show head injuries and fractures are among the most reported in electric scooter accidents and that lack of helmets contributes to more serious outcomes.

Other common issues include road rash, dental injuries and internal trauma, which all highlight the need for better electric scooter safety gear and rider awareness.

Why Children and Teens Need Extra Caution

Electric scooters and e-bikes might look like toys, but they are powerful vehicles that can go fast. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids under 16 years old should not ride motorised scooters or e-bikes.

Luxton explains, “Children’s balance, coordination and judgment, especially when it comes to speed and traffic awareness, are not yet fully mature. They’re also more likely to take risks, ride without helmets or underestimate how fast these devices can go.”

Because many electric scooters can reach speeds that surprise even adults, young riders without experience may be at higher risk of losing control and suffering serious injuries.

Common Unsafe Riding Behaviours

Most electric scooter injuries are not random. Many crashes happen because of risky riding habits that could be avoided. According to safety experts, some behaviours that increase the chance of a crash include:

• Riding at night without proper lights or reflective clothing
  
  
• Carrying someone on a scooter built for a single rider

Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Ignoring traffic laws or not following signals

Riding too fast on uneven or rough surfaces

Luxton says, “These devices may seem simple but they’re powerful. A split second of inattention can lead to serious injury.”

How to Know if Your Child Is Ready to Ride

Deciding whether a teen or tween is ready to ride an electric scooter is not just about their age. Lixton suggests parents consider:

• Whether the child follows safety rules consistently
  
  
• Their coordination and balance skills
  
  
• If they can judge distance, speed and traffic safely
  
  
• Whether they understand that scooters are not toys
  
  

Luxton adds, “Parents should also review the manufacturer’s age and weight limits. Many e-bikes and scooters are designed for riders 16 and older and several municipalities and states prohibit kids under 16 from using them on public roads.”

What to Do After a Crash

Even when you follow safety rules, accidents can still happen. If a crash occurs, check the rider for serious injuries like head trauma, heavy bleeding or loss of consciousness, and call emergency services if needed. Luxton advises seeing a healthcare provider even if injuries seem minor, because some issues like concussions or internal injuries might not be immediately obvious.

You should also report the accident to the scooter rental company or manufacturer, which can help track safety concerns and possible equipment defects.

10 Safety Tips for Riding Electric Scooters

Being mindful and prepared makes a big difference. Follow these electric scooter safety tips for every ride:

1. Always wear a helmet that fits correctly and is certified for protection. “The key is using the right helmet, one that’s certified and designed for the specific activity,” Luxton said. “Helmets should fit snugly, sit level on the head and have the chin strap fastened.”
   
   
2. Wear closed-toe shoes and bright or reflective clothing so others can see you.

Avoid distractions like phones or music and keep your eyes on the road.

Follow local traffic laws and ride in bike lanes when available.

Check your scooter before riding, paying attention to brakes, tires and battery charge.

Ride alone unless the device is designed for two riders.

Prefer daytime rides, but if you must ride at night use proper lights.

Consider setting a speed limit on your device, especially for younger riders.

Control your speed to match conditions and your own skill level.

Lead by example. When adults wear helmets and follow rules, kids are more likely to do the same.

Luxton sums it up, “These devices can be a fun and eco-friendly way to get around but safety must come first. A few simple precautions can make all the difference between a smooth ride and a serious injury.”

What to Take Away

Electric scooters are a convenient and fun way to move around town, but they carry real risks if riders are not prepared. Following safety guidelines, wearing protective gear and teaching young riders responsible habits are key to reducing accidents. Understanding how to ride safely and being aware of your surroundings contribute to a more enjoyable and safer electric scooter experience for everyone.