Orthopedic Injuries Associated With Electric Scooter (E-scooter) Use: Epidemiology, Injury Patterns, Management...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Traumatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Electric scooters (e-scooters) are a popular micromobility option globally.
• Their increased use correlates with a rise in emergency department visits for orthopedic trauma.
• Injuries disproportionately affect young adults and often involve fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology and injury patterns of e-scooter-related orthopedic trauma.
• To discuss current management strategies and resource implications.
• To identify key prevention methods for e-scooter injuries.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current evidence on e-scooter trauma.
• Synthesis of data on injury types, patient demographics, and outcomes.
• Analysis of management principles and prevention recommendations.

Main Results:

• Upper limb fractures are common, but severe lower limb, pelvic, and axial injuries also occur.
• Many injuries necessitate operative intervention, including complex reconstructions.
• Significant healthcare resource utilization is associated with these injuries.

Conclusions:

• E-scooter trauma presents a substantial burden requiring specialized orthopedic management.
• Limited long-term outcome data necessitate prospective registries.
• Prevention through helmet use, speed control, and infrastructure changes is vital.