Are micromobility devices a growing safety crisis?
Micromobility: the unforeseen danger in urban travel
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The newest, often unexpected, travel hazard in bustling urban centers isn't always what you'd anticipate. Electric scooters and e-bikes have become a common sight in cities worldwide, and while not inherently dangerous, their widespread presence combined with the potential for serious accidents poses a legitimate and significant risk for both visitors and locals alike.
Alarming new data highlights this concern: e-bike and scooter injuries have surged, according to researchers at UCSF. A 2024 study by UC San Francisco researchers revealed that e-bike injuries have doubled annually from 2017 to 2022, while scooter injuries climbed by 45% each year. Adrian Fernandez, a chief resident with the UCSF Department of Urology and co-lead author,
In direct response to these growing concerns, many tourist cities are restricting micromobility devices due to increased accidents and safety concerns. Major destinations like New York, Madrid, and Paris have already implemented bans or severe restrictions on e-scooters, with others considering similar actions. The unpredictable behavior of e-bikes and e-scooters around pedestrians often jeopardizes both riders and walkers, increasing the risk of injury.
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While severe injuries are infrequent, they do occur. In 2024, a woman in West Hollywood sustained a fractured skull and brain swelling after being hit by a motorized scooter, requiring hospitalization. Similarly, an American man in Sydney nearly lost his life after being struck by an e-bike operating in a restricted area, necessitating emergency brain surgery and weeks in a coma. Many more near-misses and minor incidents involving speeding scooters go unreported, contributing to a sense of unease for pedestrians in urban environments, particularly affecting tourists.
Tourists themselves can inadvertently contribute to these close calls, often renting e-bikes and scooters for recreational rides through unfamiliar cities, which can unfortunately lead to accidents. Riders, feeling unsafe on main streets alongside vehicular traffic, may then become a hazard to pedestrians on sidewalks. While dedicated scooter lanes offer a solution, they aren't always available. When planning your trip, consider your transportation options carefully. For instance, if you're flying and need secure vehicle storage, explore park and fly weekly rates through services like ParkingNearAirports.io. This can be a smart alternative to navigating potentially hazardous city transportation immediately upon arrival.
Benjamin N. Breyer, MD, MAS, the Taube Family Distinguished Professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Urology and corresponding author, reinforced the critical need to address these safety challenges. He stated, "As micromobility vehicles become more embedded in our daily lives, understanding and addressing the safety challenges they pose is critical." By doing so, he believes, "we can harness the full potential of micromobility to create more sustainable, healthy and safe urban environments." Planning your travel budget effectively is also key; utilizing a cheap parking website like https://parkingnearairports.io/ can help you save money on airport parking and allocate those funds to safer, more enjoyable aspects of your trip.
