Study Links Rising E-Bike and E-Scooter Use to Severe Trauma Injuries at NYC Hospital
A new study published in the journal Neurosurgery reveals a significant increase in trauma injuries associated with e-bikes and e-scooters at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City between 2018 and 2023. The research indicates that micromobility incidents accounted for approximately 7% of all trauma visits during this period. Notably, the proportion of bike or scooter-related trauma cases involving electric models surged from 8% in 2018 to over 50% by 2023. The injuries are often severe, with 30% of patients suffering traumatic brain injuries, 26% sustaining skull or facial injuries, and half requiring surgery. Nearly 69% of these patients required hospital admission, and about one-third needed intensive care. Collisions with motor vehicles and falls were identified as the primary causes. Dr. Hannah Weiss, the study's corresponding author, emphasized that pedestrians struck by these devices often face even more severe brain injuries than riders. The findings highlight an urgent need for neurosurgical resources in urban settings and suggest actionable solutions such as mandatory helmet use, improved bike lane design, and stricter enforcement to protect both riders and pedestrians.
Wire timeline
Study Links Rising E-Bike and E-Scooter Use to Severe Trauma Injuries at NYC Hospital
A new study published in the journal Neurosurgery reveals a significant increase in trauma injuries associated with e-bikes and e-scooters at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City between 2018 and 2023. The research indicates that micromobility incidents accounted for approximately 7% of all trauma visits during this period. Notably, the proportion of bike or scooter-related trauma cases involving electric models surged from 8% in 2018 to over 50% by 2023. The injuries are often severe, with 30% of patients suffering traumatic brain injuries, 26% sustaining skull or facial injuries, and half requiring surgery. Nearly 69% of these patients required hospital admission, and about one-third needed intensive care. Collisions with motor vehicles and falls were identified as the primary causes. Dr. Hannah Weiss, the study's corresponding author, emphasized that pedestrians struck by these devices often face even more severe brain injuries than riders. The findings highlight an urgent need for neurosurgical resources in urban settings and suggest actionable solutions such as mandatory helmet use, improved bike lane design, and stricter enforcement to protect both riders and pedestrians.
abcnews