How Scooter Injuries Occur

Over the past few years, electric scooter sharing networks have become a booming industry in cities around the country. The widely accessible e-scooters, with their ease of use and low pollution levels, are a fun and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods. But while these scooters can be a joy to ride, they can also introduce significant dangers to riders.

Research conducted by the JAMA Network has found that e-scooter injuries have risen more than 220 percent over the past four years. There are a wide variety of ways that e-scooter injuries can occur, including falling, tripping, and, in more severe cases, being struck by a car. Some of the most common injuries that occur include head trauma, bone fractures, cuts, and sprains.

Safety Tips

With the warm weather of springtime approaching, e-scooters will see a spike in usage from people of all ages around the country. To avoid serious injuries from scooter rides, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

Always Watch the Road

Similar to driving, it is important to always watch the road when riding an e-scooter. Because of the small size of e-scooters, it can sometimes be difficult for drivers to see riders, even when they’re in the bike lane. That’s why it’s important to consistently keep your eyes on the road and remain on the defense when riding your scooter.

Keep Both Hands on the Handlebars

While it can be easy for riders to think they’re capable of checking their phone while riding, it’s never a good idea. Taking even one hand off of the handlebar can easily cause you to lose control of your scooter and take a tumble. We recommend always keeping both hands on the handlebars and coming to a complete stop should you need to check your phone.

Wear a Helmet

There are a number of things that are out of your control as a rider. To be safe and avoid traumatic head injuries, it’s best to always wear a helmet when riding. Wearing a helmet can be the difference between life and death when it comes to dangerous situations on the road.

Slow Down Before Turning

A major mistake people make when riding their scooter is that they don’t slow down before they round a turn. This mistake can easily cause the scooter to lose traction with the road and slip out from underneath the rider. To avoid injuries from falls, it’s best to always slow down to a manageable speed before attempting to turn your scooter.

Choose Hickman Law

If you find yourself the victim of an e-scooter injury that was no fault of your own, call Hickman Law Office today to discuss your rights with Northern Virginia’s most qualified team. We are a personal injury law firm serving Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and the surrounding areas. Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience representing a wide variety of injury lawsuits, and we’ll work diligently to get you the justice you deserve.