Friction Burns and the E-scooter: An Evolving Trend

Emerging as a cost-effective, convenient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, electric scooters (e-scooters) have become ubiquitous across metropolitan hubs. Regulation varies between States but typically mandates helmets, complying with age-related speed limits, and not being under the influence of alcohol and illicit substances. Given the difficulty of enforcing these restrictions and the ease of maneuvering through different road infrastructure, riders, and those around them, are vulnerable to trauma. With many e-sooters reaching speeds exceeding 25 km/h, collisions can result in friction burns when riders collide with hard surfaces such as roads. The aims of this project were to describe the profile of friction burns associated with e-scooters referred to Western Australia's burns units. A retrospective review of e-scooter-related friction burns recorded within Western Australia's burns units was undertaken between January 2019 and July 2023. Data collected included demographics, injury profile, abrasion characteristics, and management. Between 2019 and 2023, 30 e-scooter-related burns were identified. Most friction burns resulted from noncollision events (76.7%) such as falls, with the upper limbs most commonly involved (31.8%). Ninety-three percent of burns involved a total body surface area of less than 5%, with most being mid-dermal in depth (63.3%). Friction burns are an emerging injury among e-scooter riders and, given the popularity of this method of transport, warrant targeted injury prevention countermeasures. While these burns are not usually severe, further prospective research is needed to understand the nature of events leading to them.