E-scooter riders face significantly higher risks of traumatic injuries to vital organs compared to motorcyclists and cyclists, a new study reveals. The research, led by surgeon David Bodansky, analyzed data from 15,247 patients in the National Major Trauma Registry, including 580 e-scooter riders, over 7,000 motorcyclists, and 7,740 cyclists.
Key findings on injury risks
The study found that e-scooter users were 3.5 times more likely to suffer a brain injury, 1.5 times more likely to injure internal organs, and 3.2 times more likely to damage arteries or veins. In comparison, cyclists had risks of 1.7, 1.4, and 1.7 times higher, respectively.
Additionally, a separate analysis of over 23,000 self-reported collisions and near misses revealed that women riding e-scooters are 2.1 times more likely to be seriously injured than men. One in 10 riders were children, who were also more susceptible to serious harm.
Helmet use and fracture risk
Despite the heightened risks, only 5.9% of e-scooter riders were found to be wearing a helmet, compared to around 75% of motorcyclists and 45% of cyclists. Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and long-term brain damage in the event of an impact.
Interestingly, fracture risk for e-scooter riders was 20% lower than for motorcyclists and 10% lower than for cyclists. Nevertheless, experts are continuing to monitor the long-term use of e-scooters, as government trial schemes offer them for rent in various cities.
Regulations and enforcement
It is illegal to ride a privately owned electric scooter in public, but scooters rented out by government-backed companies such as Voi, Bolt, and Neuron are permitted. Renters must be aged 18 or over and hold a provisional licence. Violating the rules can lead to police seizing and crushing scooters and handing out fines.
As of July 2026, more than 2,500 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters have been confiscated by the Metropolitan Police alone this year, double the figure for the whole of 2025. In February, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that the government was planning to introduce new regulations around e-scooter use, covering speed limits and safety features like lights and brakes.
Collision statistics
The latest Department for Transport data found there were 1,312 collisions involving e-scooters across England, Scotland, and Wales in 2024. Of these, 306 included only one e-scooter and no other vehicles, up from 284 in 2023. There were 1,390 casualties in e-scooter collisions in 2024, compared to 1,387 in 2023. Six people were killed in e-scooter collisions in 2024, five of whom were riders.
Researchers stressed the need for 'embedding rigorous public health evidence into forthcoming UK legislation' to minimise 'avoidable harm'.
