If you’re a motor scooter enthusiast, being informed about common motor scooter injuries is pivotal for your safety. This guide dives straight into the types of injuries riders face, from concussions to fractures, and outlines practical steps to prevent them. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the risks and enjoy the ride with confidence.
Key Takeaways
The frequency of motor scooter injuries has risen sharply, with a 222% increase in reported injuries from 2014 to 2018, leading to concerns over the safety of electric scooters, which have been linked to head traumas, facial injuries, fractures, road rash, and more.
Head injuries, particularly concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries, account for a significant percentage of scooter-related incidents, emphasizing the crucial role of helmets in injury prevention for riders.
The prevalence of bone fractures and dislocations, particularly in the arms, wrists, and legs, is high in scooter accidents, highlighting the importance of protective gear and safe riding techniques to mitigate the risk of serious injuries.
The Prevalence of Motor Scooter Injuries
The rise of motorized scooters has its darker side. With an estimated 1,500 people killed or injured in electric scooter accidents in 2018, the safety of these vehicles is under scrutiny. The number of reported injuries rose by 222% between 2014 and 2018, with more than 14,651 injuries recorded in the U.S. in 2019. Even more concerning is the fact that some emergency departments reported a 161 percent increase in scooter-related incidents in just one year.
The escalating number of scooter accidents is alarming. A UCLA study suggested that the injury rate for electric scooter riders might be higher than that for motorcycle riders. Scooter accidents have resulted in a range of injuries, from minor scrapes and sprains to life-threatening head traumas and spinal cord injuries.
Despite these alarming statistics, the popularity of electric scooters continues to grow. As such, the importance of understanding common injuries and how to prevent them cannot be overstated. Let’s delve into the types of injuries that are commonly sustained in scooter accidents, starting with:
Head and brain trauma
Facial injuries
Fractures and broken bones
Road rash and abrasions
Sprains and strains
Internal injuries
By being aware of these potential injuries, riders can take steps to protect themselves and minimize the risk of accidents.
Head and Brain Trauma
When we think of scooter accidents, broken bones and road rash might come to mind. But did you know that head injuries are also prevalent? In fact, half of the individuals injured in motor scooter accidents sustain injuries such as lacerations, concussions, and skull fractures. Over the past decade, the frequency of face and head injuries related to electric scooter use has even tripled.
Helmets play a critical role in protecting riders from these head injuries. However, despite the strong emphasis on the need for universal helmet use, many riders still choose to ride without one. This lack of helmet use heightens the incidence of concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries, each of which we will discuss in more detail.
Concussions
A concussion is not just a bump on the head; it’s a type of traumatic brain injury that can result from a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body, both of which can occur during a scooter accident. Concussions are the most common type of head and brain injuries among scooter-related accidents and represent a significant portion of head injuries sustained by riders.
Symptoms of concussions can range from:
recurring headaches
nausea
confusion
difficulties with concentration
If you’ve had a scooter accident and are experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. And remember, wearing a helmet can greatly reduce your risk of sustaining a concussion.
Skull Fractures
While concussions are a common injury in scooter accidents, skull fractures are another serious risk that can potentially lead to fatal injuries. In motor scooter accidents, 3% of the injured riders were reported to have skull fractures.
A skull fracture, as the name suggests, is a break in the bone surrounding the brain, and it can lead to serious complications. It’s another sobering reminder of the importance of helmet use when riding a scooter. A helmet may not completely eliminate the risk, but it can significantly reduce the severity of a skull fracture in the event of an accident.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another severe consequence of scooter accidents. These injuries can cause significant impairments to victims’ quality of life and mobility. Symptoms may not manifest immediately, with some victims experiencing a delay before symptoms appear post-accident.
Simulations of motor scooter falls have shown a high risk of severe traumatic brain injury predicted by head injury criteria. This highlights the importance of taking all possible precautions when riding a scooter, from wearing a helmet to following traffic laws and practicing safe riding techniques.
Bone Fractures and Dislocations
Moving away from head and brain trauma, let’s now turn our attention to another common result of scooter accidents: bone fractures and dislocations. These injuries particularly affect the upper and lower limbs.
Fractures and contusions are the most frequent types of injuries in scooter accidents. The bones in the arms, legs, and wrists are the most commonly fractured during these incidents. In the following subsections, we will delve into specific types of fractures and dislocations that occur in scooter accidents:
Arm fractures
Leg fractures
Wrist fractures
Dislocations
Arm and Wrist Fractures
When it comes to scooter accidents, the wrist is the most frequent site of injury, accounting for 41.9% of cases. Wrist fractures are the most common type of injury diagnosis for upper extremity injuries related to e-scooter accidents, comprising 55.3%.
In addition to the wrist, fractures of the elbow are also common injuries that result from scooter accidents. These types of fractures can be extremely painful and may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. It is therefore essential to wear protective gear and practice safe riding techniques to reduce the risk of these injuries.
Leg Fractures
Falls from scooters often result in leg fractures, such as ankle fractures, tibial shaft fractures, and tibial plateau fractures. These types of fractures can lead to severe pain, difficulty walking, and in some cases, the need for surgery.
Wearing protective gear such as knee pads can help reduce the risk of leg fractures. Additionally, practicing good riding techniques, such as proper braking and turning, can also help prevent accidents that lead to these injuries.
Dislocations
In addition to fractures, dislocations are another common injury in scooter accidents. These occur when the ends of your bones are forced out of their normal positions. Emergency department visits due to scooter accidents see a range of 20-60% patients presenting with dislocations among other injuries.
Common dislocations from scooter accidents include:
Shoulder
Elbow
Knee
Subtalar joint
Shoulder dislocations are particularly prevalent. Protective gear can help to prevent such injuries, as can practicing safe riding techniques and avoiding hazardous areas such as slippery or uneven grounds.
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue injuries are another type of injury that is common in scooter accidents. These include sprains, which involve tearing of ligaments connecting bones and joints, along with strains and muscle tears.
Getting treatment for these injuries is crucial to ensure a full recovery. The RICE method, which stands for:
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
is recommended for treating such injuries. In some cases, physical therapy may also be advised to aid in recovery.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are common types of soft tissue injuries that motor scooter riders may experience during accidents. Injuries can occur when ligaments, tendons, or muscles are stretched or torn beyond their normal range. This can lead to pain and limited movement..
While these injuries can be painful, they are typically not life-threatening and can be treated with rest and physical therapy. However, prevention is always better than cure, and wearing protective gear such as knee and elbow pads can help to prevent such injuries.
Muscle Tears
Another type of soft tissue injury that can occur during a scooter accident is a muscle tear. These injuries can significantly restrict movement and complicate daily activities.
Muscle tears often occur in conjunction with other high-energy trauma and may necessitate multifaceted medical intervention. As with other injuries, prevention is key. Wearing protective gear and practicing safe riding techniques can help prevent muscle tears.
RICE Treatment and Physical Therapy
When soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and muscle tears do occur, the RICE treatment method is often recommended. This involves rest and elevation of the injured area, with the use of ice to manage pain.
In more severe cases, physical therapy may be advised to aid in the recovery from soft tissue damages. A tailored recovery plan can help to effectively regain strength and ensure a proper return to flexibility.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
We’ve discussed head trauma, fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries. Now let’s turn our attention to one of the most serious injuries and devastating consequences of scooter accidents: spinal cord injuries. These can range from partial to total paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries can cause various symptoms, including those related to a specific spinal cord injury:
Pain
Stiffness
Numbness
Weakness
Poor coordination
These symptoms are due to compression of the spinal cord and associated nerves. In the following subsections, we will delve into two of the most severe outcomes of spinal cord injuries: paralysis and loss of sensation.
Paralysis
Paralysis in scooter-related accidents can result from severe injuries to the spinal cord, which can be inflicted during crashes or falls from the scooter. This can cause permanent disability, requiring victims to make significant lifestyle changes and adapt to the loss of movement and sensation.
Preventive measures such as wearing appropriate protective gear and learning proper techniques for falling and rolling can minimize the risk of severe spinal damage during a scooter accident. As scooter usage increases, so do spinal injuries, indicating that awareness of the potential for paralysis is crucial.
Loss of Sensation
Another consequence of spinal cord injuries is a loss of sensation. This can occur in certain parts of the body following a scooter accident.
The loss of sensation can impact an individual’s ability to feel heat, cold, and touch, which can lead to further complications. This highlights the importance of taking all possible precautions when riding a scooter, including wearing appropriate protective gear and adhering to safe riding practices.
Preventive Measures
Preventing spinal cord and back injuries goes beyond just wearing protective gear. Adjusting riding positions to maintain proper ergonomics is crucial for preventing back injuries during scooter use.
In addition, strengthening the lower and mid-back muscles and incorporating stretches during rides can help alleviate back issues related to scooter use. Lastly, a good suspension system on a scooter can play a significant role in reducing the risk of back injuries.
Safety Tips for Scooter Riders
In light of the risks and injuries associated with scooter accidents, it’s clear that safety should be a top priority for all scooter riders. Here are some key safety tips:
First and foremost, always wear a helmet that meets safety standards. This can greatly reduce the risk of head injuries in scooter accidents. Additional protective gear such as wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads can help prevent common scooter injuries like fractures and dislocations.
Aside from wearing protective gear, following traffic laws can also mitigate the risk of severe injuries such as spinal cord damage. And remember, never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not only significantly increases the risk of accidents but also comes with serious legal consequences.
Summary
In this journey through the risks and injuries associated with scooter riding, it’s clear that while these vehicles offer a convenient mode of transport, they also come with significant safety concerns. From concussions and fractures to spinal cord injuries and muscle tears, the potential for harm is real.
However, with proper safety measures, protective gear, and safe riding practices, the risks can be greatly mitigated. Remember, safety is in your hands. Ride responsibly, and let’s make our cities safer for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries can you get from push scooters?
Common injuries from push scooters include cuts, sprains, and fractures of the wrist and elbow. The most serious injuries are head-related, but many of these injuries can be prevented by following safety tips.
What are the injuries to electric scooter children?
The most common injuries to electric scooter children are cuts, fractures, and head injuries, with the head and face being the most affected area. A significant number of these injuries occurred because the children were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
What is the most common injury on a scooter?
The most common injury on a scooter is a head injury, followed by fractures and contusions, based on a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
How can I prevent injuries while riding a scooter?
To prevent injuries while riding a scooter, always wear a helmet and other protective gear, follow traffic laws, practice safe riding techniques, and avoid riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Be safe out there!
What should I do if I've had a scooter accident?
Seek medical attention immediately after a scooter accident, as some injuries may not show immediate symptoms, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries.