Injuries caused by e-scooters and e-bikes increased steeply from 2021 to 2022, highlighting the serious risks associated with these transportation devices (officially known as “micromobility products”).
According to a new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), titled “Micromobility Products-Related Deaths, Injuries, and Hazard Patterns,” these kinds of injuries increased by almost 21 percent from 2021 to 2022.
This marks the continuation of an alarming upward trend, illustrating that the 2023 increase is much more than a fluke: these types of injuries have increased by an average of 23 percent each year since 2017.
Digging into the data on e-bike injuries
To help you better understand the new data on micromobility devices, here are some of the most notable revelations from the latest CPSC report:
- 46% of all e-bike injuries from 2017 to 2022 occurred in 2022.
- Although children under the age of 15 constitute only 18 percent of the U.S. population, they made up 36 % of those injured by micromobility devices from 2017 to 2022.
- There were 360,800 micromobility product-related emergency department visits from 2017 to 2022.
- From January 2021 to November 2022, there were 19 deaths associated with micromobility device fires.
In light of the dangers of e-bikes and related devices—now backed up by this extensive and detailed data—CPSC called for “more than 2,000 manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of [micromobility devices] to review their product lines and ensure they comply with established voluntary safety standards to reduce the serious risk of dangerous fires with these products or face possible enforcement action.”
E-bike and e-scooter safety tips
While using an electric bike or scooter can be dangerous, there are numerous ways to protect yourself so you can enjoy these devices’ physical and mental health benefits while minimizing their overall risks:
Micromobility device-specific safety tips
- According to CPSC, you should only use micromobility devices that you are certain were “designed, manufactured, and certified for compliance with the applicable consensus safety standards.”
- Only use the supplied charger to charge your e-bike or related device, and only charge it when you’re present (in case of a dangerous malfunction). Always make sure to unplug it when you’re done charging.
- Only use an approved replacement battery pack; likewise, never use a micromobility device with a battery pack that was modified with used cells or by unqualified individuals.
- Do not dispose of lithium batteries in the trash. Bring used batteries to a hazardous waste collection center or specialized battery recycler.
General bike and scooter safety tips
- Always wear a helmet in case of a fall.
- Every time you take out your bike/scooter, check the following parts for damage:
- Handlebars
- Brakes
- Throttle
- Bell
- Lights
- Tires
- Cables
- Frame
- To ensure vehicles and pedestrians can see you, slow down, remain aware of your surroundings, and use your bell or horn to let others know you’re there.
- Do not ride your bike or scooter after consuming alcohol or other drugs.
- Don’t share your scooter with another person. Only one person should ride it at a time.
- Avoid bumps and other obstacles
If you’ve been injured by an e-bike or another lithium battery-powered device, you have options for asserting your rights and may be entitled to compensation. With the support of a legal team that understands micromobility-related injuries, your case will have the best possible chance of succeeding.