E-Scooter Injuries on the Rise in Washington

Rental e-scooters have become a common sight on city streets. They’re fun, affordable, and easy to use. Since Seattle introduced them in 2020, their popularity has taken off. But as more people ride, doctors and safety experts are seeing a troubling trend: e-scooter injuries are rising quickly.

A recent report from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), using UW Medicine data, highlights just how often riders are ending up in emergency rooms. The numbers show that while e-scooters may be convenient, they also come with serious risks.

E-Scooter Injuries: What the Data Shows

The WTSC report reveals that e-scooter injuries have escalated in just a few short years:

• Sharp spike in medical visits: E-scooter-related injuries jumped from just 9 cases between 2018–2020 to 273 cases between 2021–2023.
• Falls cause most injuries: Nearly 9 out of 10 cases involved falls, while only about 5% resulted from collisions with motor vehicles.
• Helmet use is low: At least 41% of injured riders weren’t wearing helmets at the time of their accident.
• Injuries are often serious: The most common types were extremity injuries (57%), head and neck injuries (46%), and fractures (35%).

These numbers paint a clear picture: as ridership grows, so do the risks. Importantly, many of these injuries are preventable.

Why Are We Seeing an Increase in These Injuries?

It’s clear that e-scooter injuries are on the rise. But what’s driving the trend? A few key factors stand out:

• Rapid growth in popularity: E-scooter sharing programs have only recently been introduced in urban areas like Seattle. Lime, a major rental company, reported that in just the first six months of 2023, ridership jumped 45% compared to the same period in 2022. Simply put, more riders on the road means more opportunities for accidents.
• Risky rider behaviors: According to the WTSC report, at least 41% of injured riders weren’t wearing helmets at the time of their accident. More than a quarter reported being intoxicated. Riders may underestimate the risks of e-scooters, assuming they’re safer than other vehicles because they’re widely available and easy to use.
• Infrastructure and road conditions: Many Washington cities weren’t designed with e-scooters in mind. Riders often share space with cars, bikes, and pedestrians. Plus, they may encounter uneven pavement, potholes, or poor lighting. These factors increase the likelihood of falls and collisions, especially for novice readers.

Half of E-Scooter Injuries Involve Head or Neck

One of the most troubling findings from the WTSC report is that nearly half of all e-scooter injuries involve the head or neck. These injuries can be especially dangerous because they often include traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

A TBI can have lasting effects on a person’s daily life. It may impact memory, mood, concentration, sleep, and even the ability to work. What might seem like a simple fall can turn into serious, long-term consequences.

Many of these injuries could likely have been prevented, or at least made less severe, if riders had been wearing helmets.

Staying Safe While Using E-Scooters

Despite the risks, e-scooters offer a lot of benefits. They help reduce traffic congestion, are easy to rent, and let you explore neighborhoods and downtown areas without fuss. To stay safe while riding, here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

• Always wear a helmet
• Abide by the rules of the road
• Share bike lanes and paths with pedestrians and bicyclists
• Don’t ride while intoxicated
• Limit to one rider per e-scooter
• Practice riding at slower speeds first to build skills and confidence
• Don’t permit your children under the age of 16 to ride

Liability and E-Scooters

If you are injured while riding an e-scooter, the question of who is responsible can get complicated. Here are the main parties to consider:

How You’re Responsible

E-scooter riders are expected to follow the rules of the road, ride sober, and use good judgment. Wearing a helmet and proper footwear, riding in designated areas, and avoiding dangerous maneuvers such as attempting stairs or weaving through traffic can help reduce your risk. Reckless or negligent riding can also affect your ability to recover damages after an accident.

Other Drivers’ Responsibilities

Drivers of cars and trucks must treat e-scooter riders as vulnerable road users (RCW 46.61.5259). Drivers have a duty to watch for scooters, yield when required, and avoid collisions. Unfortunately, not every driver expects to see scooters in the roadway. That’s why it’s important for your safety to ride defensively.

How E-Scooter Rental Share Companies Responsible

Rental companies are responsible for keeping their scooters reasonably safe for public use. This includes regular inspection, maintenance, and removal of damaged scooters. If an accident happens because of a faulty brake, a loose handlebar, or another mechanical defect, the company could be liable. Most companies require users to agree to terms that limit the company’s liability, but these agreements do not always protect them if they were negligent in maintenance.

If You’ve Been Injured on an E-Scooter

If you’ve been hurt in an e-scooter accident and believe someone else may be at fault, here are some important steps to consider:

1. Seek medical attention. If your injury is serious or life-threatening, call 9-1-1 right away. Even if you feel okay at first, it’s smart to get checked out by a medical professional.
2. Gather witness information. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Their account may be valuable later.
3. Take photos. Pictures of the scene, your injuries, the scooter, and any vehicles or hazards involved can help document what happened. If you’re unable to take photos yourself, ask a friend, companion, or witness for assistance.
4. Talk with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help identify who may be responsible, protect your rights, and work toward fair compensation for your injuries.

Get Help from a Tacoma E-Scooter Accident Attorney

Even when you follow the rules and ride safely, accidents can still happen if a driver, pedestrian, or even another rider is careless. Collisions involving e-scooters can lead to serious injuries because riders have little protection.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an e-scooter accident in Tacoma or Pierce County, the Ladenburg Law team is here to help. We understand the challenges riders face and have experience standing up for injury victims.

There is no fee to find out if we can help. Call us at (253) 272-5226 or fill out our short contact form today.