In a recent article in Forbes , Tanya Mohn reported that the risk of head injury in a crash is high for e-scooter riders. According to the  research by the Germany-based, DEKRA the risk of concussion was nearly 100%.  A 2021 study conducted by the University Hospital Zurich and St. George’s University School of Medicine, Granada, compared injuries among bicycle, e-bike and motorcycle accidents. This research found that injuries were more frequent in e-bike a (66%) and bicycle accidents (64%) than motorcycle accidents (47%). (Other types of injuries were more frequent for motorcyclists.)

A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report showed a 127 percent increase in electric micromobility devices from 2017-2021.  While they provide convenient, eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to gasoline powered cars,  the expected explosive growth products such as e-scooters and e-bikes, will also bring increasing numbers of head injuries.  The CPSC offers safety tips for people riding e-scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards:

• Always wear a bicycle helmet. 

• Before riding, make sure to check for any damage, which includes examining the handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables and frame. 

• See and be seen. Most deaths involve motor vehicles. Many micromobility products are small, quick, and silent, making it difficult for others to spot you, especially in parking lots and structures. 

• Expect vehicle drivers and pedestrians not to see you; slow down and stay aware of your surroundings.

• Use the bell/horn to alert others. 

• Do not make abrupt, unpredictable movements. 

• Beware of obstacles. E-scooters have small tires, so objects and uneven surfaces can cause them to stop suddenly, throwing you off. 

• Always keep both hands on the handlebars and keep items off the handlebars.

• Slow down and lean back when you have to ride over bumps.

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Only one person per e-scooter; additional riders can increase the risk and severity of collisions.

• Follow all manufacturer directions, review the safety information and identify and weight and age limits for the micromobility product.

You can find more safety information at the Consumer Safety Commission website: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Micromobility-Information-Center

Here at Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals, we are developing new, innovative therapeutics for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), known as concussion. Our aspiration at Oxeia is for people to stay safe and take steps to avoid concussions in their everyday lives, and to bring relief to those who have sustained a concussion.