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E-scooter riders are far more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries than motorcyclists or bicyclists, yet only 6% wear helmets. A new study using UK trauma registry data found TBI occurred in roughly 36 out of every 100 e-scooter incidents. Experts say it's time for policymakers — and clinicians — to treat e-scooters like the motorized vehicles they are.
E-scooters may feel like a casual ride, but a new study published in Scientific Reports reveals they carry a serious head injury risk — one that outpaces even motorcycles. Analyzing data from England and Wales' National Major Trauma Registry (2020–2022), researchers found that adult e-scooter riders were 3.45 times more likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) than motorcyclists and 1.74 times more likely than bicyclists. Children on e-scooters faced similarly elevated risks.
A major driver? Helmet use — or the near-total lack of it. Only 5.9% of e-scooter riders in the study wore helmets, compared to 75.7% of motorcyclists and 45% of bicyclists. Experts also point to vehicle design: riders stand high off the ground, small wheels offer limited grip, and urban hazards abound.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: As e-scooters become a fixture of urban mobility, their injury profile demands the same policy attention as motorcycles. Researchers are calling for helmet mandates, better road infrastructure, and clinician-led counseling — especially for adolescents and young adults.
