Electric scooter injuries at Auckland City Hospital

Since the introduction of shared electric scooters to Auckland in October 2018, there have been multiple reports of injuries. We aim to examine the pattern of injuries sustained while riding electric scooters in patients presenting to hospital.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who presented to Auckland City Hospital Emergency Department (ED) between 15 October 2018 and 22 February 2019. Patients were firstly identified by ED staff and noted in a logbook, and secondly by searching the Trauma Registry database. Outcomes of interest were injuries, imaging, alcohol and helmet use, length of stay and interventions.

There were 180 patients identified. The median length of stay was 4.0 hours, interquartile range (IQR) 18.4 hours. One-third of patients were admitted or transferred. Common injuries were contusions, abrasions and lacerations (65.6%), fractures (41.7%) and head injuries (17.2%). One in five patients (22.2%) required an operation. Only three patients wore a helmet. Of all patients, 23.3% had consumed alcohol, and of those with head injuries; 41.9% had consumed alcohol.

This study highlights the significant number of electric scooter-related injuries, including severe head injuries. While the majority of presentations are categorised as minor trauma, these cases have placed additional demand on health system resources. This mode of transport would benefit from greater regulation, including a zero blood alcohol limit, night-time curfews, reduced speed limits and consideration of mandatory helmet use.