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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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Open Access 01-07-2021 | Trauma Surgery

Incidence and severity of electric scooter related injuries after introduction of an urban rental programme in Vienna: a retrospective multicentre study

Authors: Timon Moftakhar, Michael Wanzel, Alexander Vojcsik, Franz Kralinger, Mehdi Mousavi, Stefan Hajdu, Silke Aldrian, Julia Starlinger

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 7/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are an emerging way of mobility in cities around the world. Despite quickly rising numbers of e-scooters, limited studies report on incidence and severity of e-scooter-associated injuries. The aim of our study was to report on these injuries and identify potential protective measures to ultimately decrease e-scooter-associated morbidity.

Methods

We performed a retrospective multicentre study including all patients, who were admitted to three major trauma departments in Vienna from May 2018 to September 2019. We analysed patients’ data, including demographics, injury pattern, types of injury and subsequent treatment.

Results

A total number of 175 patients (115 males, 60 females) sustained e-scooter-associated injuries. Patients’ mean age was 34.4 years [4–74]. While the mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 3.4, 11 patients presented with an ISS ≥ 9 and 2 patients with an ISS ≥ 16. ISS increased with age. Older patients (≥ 40 years) presented a significantly higher ISS than younger patients (< 40 years) (P = 0.011). Seventy-one patients (40.6%) sustained major injuries affecting head (35.2%) and upper extremities (36.6%). Twenty-three patients (13.1%) required surgery leading to hospitalization of 11 days on average [1–115]. E-scooter-associated injuries increased during late afternoon plateauing at 8.00 pm. However, the largest share of patients (39.2%) sustained their injuries during early night (8.00 pm to 1.59 am) with especially young adults (19–39 years) being at risk.

Conclusion

The popularity of rideshare e-scooters across cities worldwide seems to be on the rise, so are e-scooter-associated injuries. These injuries should be considered high-energy trauma affecting primarily head and upper extremity; indeed, 17.7% sustained major head injuries. Therefore, the mandatory use of a helmet seems to be adequate to decrease head injury-associated morbidity. Ultimately, given the remarkably high rates of nighttime injuries, an e-scooter ban during night could further cut injury numbers in half.

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Title: Incidence and severity of electric scooter related injuries after introduction of an urban rental programme in Vienna: a retrospective multicentre study
Authors: Timon Moftakhar
Michael Wanzel
Alexander Vojcsik
Franz Kralinger
Mehdi Mousavi
Stefan Hajdu
Silke Aldrian
Julia Starlinger
Publication date: 01-07-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 7/2021
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-020-03589-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Incidence and severity of electric scooter related injuries after introduction of an urban rental programme in Vienna: a retrospective multicentre study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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