A recent study by researchers at UCLA indicates a strong correlation between substance use and e-scooter related injuries. The analysis of data from the 2016-2021 national Inpatient Sample revealed that 25% of the 7,350 patients hospitalized for scooter injuries had used substances such as alcohol, opioids, marijuana, or cocaine.

The research, published in the American Surgeon, also highlighted an eight-fold increase in scooter-related hospitalizations during the studied five-year period, escalating from 330 to 2,705 cases. Furthermore, individuals who had used substances faced nearly double the risk of experiencing traumatic brain injuries compared to those who were not impaired.Substance use also inflated hospital costs by an average of $4,600 per patient.

Researchers note that while the growing popularity of e-scooters has coincided with increased injuries, the role of substance use in these incidents had been largely unexamined. They suggest implementing strategies such as mandatory helmet laws,substance use prevention programs,and infrastructure improvements to mitigate these risks.

“In today’s landscape of rapidly growing scooter use, our study highlights how substance use among riders has played a significant role in the rise of severe, costly, and largely preventable injuries,” said Dr. Areti Tillou, vice chair for education in the UCLA Department of Surgery and the study’s senior author. “Our study was limited to hospitalized patients and thus likely underestimates the current rate of injuries. As urban centers continue to expand shared micromobility systems, the growing prevalence of substance use among scooter riders raises serious concerns about rider safety. These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen safety regulations, enforce helmet use, and reduce substance use among scooter riders to prevent injuries and promote safer, more sustainable urban transportation.”

Rising Hospitalizations and the Role of Impairment

The study underscores the escalating problem of e-scooter injuries and the significant impact of substance use on the severity and cost of these incidents. The findings suggest that addressing substance use among riders is crucial for improving safety and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

“Our study highlights how substance use among riders has played a significant role in the rise of severe, costly, and largely preventable injuries.”

Recommendations for Prevention

To combat the rise in injuries,researchers advocate for a multi-faceted approach that includes stricter regulations,increased helmet use,and targeted interventions to reduce substance use among e-scooter riders. These measures are essential for creating a safer environment for all users of micromobility systems.