Electric Scooter Injuries
Dockless, Electric Scooters are fast, convenient, fun to ride and now available in many cities in Arizona. Concerns over scooters being left on sidewalks, in front of businesses and homes, or cluttering up streets overlook the issue that riders can be injured in many ways. According to hospital officials and first responders, as the number of electric scooters increases, so does the number of people seriously injured. Falling off a scooter at high speed can cause serious injury and in some cases death. Minor injuries may include lacerations, road rash, cuts, and bruises. More serious injuries include facial and closed head injuries, concussions, cervical fractures, broken bones (skull and nose), dislocations, lung contusions, blunt chest, and abdominal trauma.
Many of these injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet, but Arizona law does not currently require the use of a helmet while riding an electric scooter (unless under age 18). Accidents on electric scooters can happen in many ways: when riders swerve to avoid an obstacle, are hit by a vehicle, scooter malfunctions, downhill speeds, collisions with pedestrians and falling off or over the scooter.
Scooters are motorized vehicles and you should obey the rules of the road just as if you were on a moped. Electric Scooters should be ridden on roads and bike paths. No license, registration or insurance is required. Both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University banned electric scooters on campus. The most common safety tips for electric scooter riders are:
– Wear a helmet and closed-toe shoes
– Start slow: accelerate slowly from a full stop
– Concentrate on your surroundings, oncoming traffic, and pedestrians
– Look out for obstacles such as potholes, curbs, bumps, crevices, puddles
– Use both hands and maintain your balance
