Segway Driving
In 2001, Dean Kamen introduced a zero-emission, self-balancing personal transportation device known as the Segway® Personal Transporter (PT). Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 12.5 mph, the Segway® was classified as safe for use in urban pedestrian environments by the Centre for Electric Vehicle Experimentation in Quebec in 2006. Despite this, multiple studies have reported significant injuries among users, commonly referred to as “gliders.”
Segway Injuries
Segways are structured with two wheels, a standing platform, and a handlebar post used to control movement, powered by two electric motors. These devices can reach speeds of up to 12.5 mph and have a range of up to 24 miles before requiring a recharge.
Unfortunately, most Segway riders do not wear helmets or any form of protective gear, leading to frequent, severe injuries when accidents occur. The consequences of Segway-related incidents can vary widely and include:
- Traumatic injuries to the brain and spinal cord
- Facial and dental trauma
- Multiple fractures, including wrists, arms, ribs, and ankles
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Neck pain and cranial fractures
- Nasal fractures, leg contusions, and concussions
- Abrasions, as well as injuries to the hands and wrists
Micro Mobility Accidents on the Rise
Research increasingly highlights the concerning rise in accidents related to personal electric vehicles, including Segways, e-scooters, and e-bikes. This surge has led to a significant uptick in visits to emergency rooms and trauma centers.
Between 2017 and 2022, injuries associated with e-scooters jumped by 45%, resulting in thousands of hospital admissions each year. E-scooter accidents have now exceeded those linked to traditional bicycles, underscoring the growing safety issues these vehicles pose. A study by AAA indicates that e-scooter users are at a greater risk of injury than cyclists, primarily due to the vehicles’ speed. While most bicycles cap out around 15-18 mph, e-scooters can reach up to 25 mph, with some high-performance models going as fast as 62 mph—faster than any e-bike and twice as quick as a moped.
E-scooters also have inherent stability issues that set them apart from bicycles. Their smaller wheels and low height make them vulnerable to catching on rough surfaces and loose debris. The high speeds further shorten response times, increasing the chance of collisions.
Accessibility adds another layer to this problem, as anyone, regardless of experience or safety knowledge, can rent an e-scooter, often skipping protective gear. This accessibility, combined with inconsistent helmet use, exacerbates the safety challenges these vehicles present.
E-Bike Accidents
Injuries linked to e-bikes have surged significantly, doubling each year between 2017 and 2022, while incidents involving e-scooters climbed by approximately 45% annually. Injured e-riders tend to be older on average than traditional cyclists and are notably less likely to wear helmets.
Data reveals that e-bike injuries skyrocketed from 751 in 2017 to a staggering 23,493 by 2022, while e-scooter injuries also escalated sharply, rising from 8,566 to 56,847 during the same period.
Segways and Scooters: Which is Safer?
A key distinction lies in the significantly higher frequency of head and facial injuries among e-scooter riders, particularly when alcohol consumption is involved. Data shows that riding e-scooters under the influence considerably heightens the likelihood of head injuries.
In contrast, Segway riders tend to experience a slightly lower rate of cranial and facial injuries. However, this variation is largely due to the widespread practice of riding without helmets, often worsened by instances of impaired driving.
Lack of Helmets and Training Creates Difficulties for Scooter Usage
A significant portion of e-scooter injuries, nearly 46%, occurred in the year 2022 alone, highlighting the growing risks associated with their use. Riding an e-scooter or e-bike on busy streets filled with traffic poses serious challenges, especially since these vehicles are often silent and may go unnoticed by drivers. This silent nature can lead to visibility issues when maneuvering through lanes or making turns, creating a clear safety hazard.
Several critical factors contribute to these risks. Distractions, such as using smartphones, can take attention away from the road, while listening to music through earbuds can impair awareness of surroundings. Additionally, the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering substances significantly increases the danger. A lack of proper training for operating these devices further exacerbates the problem, alongside poor road conditions, which can include hazards like water puddles, icy patches, and potholes.
Key Findings on Scooter-Related Hospitalizations
- In 2020, hospitalizations related to scooters surpassed those related to bicycles.
- Surgery Requirement: Over 50% of scooter injury patients underwent surgical procedures.
- Age Demographics:
- 26.7% of hospitalized scooter injury patients were under 18, compared to
- 16.4% for bicycle injuries.
- 55.8% of scooter injury cases required surgery, as opposed to 48.1% for bicycle injuries.
- Injury Severity: Individuals injured on scooters were more likely to suffer from paralysis or long bone fractures.
- Hospitalization Costs: Annual expenses for bicycle and scooter-related hospitalizations surged from $6.6 million in 2016 to $35.5 million in 2020.
- Helmet Use: 87% of children with skull fractures from e-scooter incidents were not wearing helmets.
- Head Injuries: Approximately 40% of all scooter accidents result in head injuries.
- Gender Statistics: Roughly 66% of those injured on electric scooters are male.
- Age of Injured Riders: Most injured e-scooter users fall within the 18-34 age range.
- Bone Fractures: Broken or fractured bones account for about 27% of all electric scooter injuries.
- Hospitalization Rate: 8% of scooter accident victims end up hospitalized, with 17% of those needing intensive care.
- Mechanical Failures: 19% of injured riders attributed their accidents to equipment malfunctions.
- Seattle Statistics: In Seattle, 11% of e-scooter operators reported having been involved in an accident.
Other Issues with Micro Mobility Vehicles
The pattern reveals a worrisome tendency: helmet use remains low among users of electric vehicles, and there is a noticeable increase in risky behaviors like riding while impaired. Many users underestimate the dangers, treating these devices as mere toys, despite the serious risks involved.
Scooters that are parked haphazardly on sidewalks or bike lanes can obstruct paths, pushing riders into unsafe spaces and posing tripping risks for pedestrians.
Parties Potentially Liable After a Scooter Accident
Several parties may bear responsibility in the event of a scooter accident. These can include:
- The scooter rental company, which could be held accountable for improper maintenance or inadequate safety instructions.
- A negligent motorist, whose actions may have directly contributed to the incident.
- Another scooter rider, particularly if they were engaged in reckless behavior at the time of the accident.
- A pedestrian or bicyclist, who may have been involved in a collision or have contributed to the accident.
- A government entity, which might be liable if poor road conditions or inadequate signage played a role in the incident.
Determining the at-fault parties can depend on a variety of factors, and it’s always wise to speak with an experienced attorney if you’ve sustained injuries as the result of an accident. Our team is happy to provide a free case evaluation if you ever have any questions.
