E-scooter riders face higher brain injury risk than cyclists, study finds

Residents in Barnet and across London face growing safety concerns after a national study found e-scooter riders are at significantly higher risk of traumatic brain and internal organ injuries than cyclists or motorcyclists. The research, published in *Scientific Reports*, analysed 580 e-scooter riders from a trauma registry of 15,247 patients treated between 2020 and 2022.

The study, led by surgeon David Bodansky, revealed that e-scooter riders are 3.5 times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries than motorcyclists. They also face a 1.5 times higher risk of internal organ injuries and a 3.2 times higher risk of arterial or venous damage. Compared with cyclists, the risks were 1.7, 1.4 and 1.7 times higher, respectively.

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Helmet use rare, children at risk

Helmet use among e-scooter riders was documented in just 5.9% of cases, the study found. By contrast, around 45% of cyclists and three-quarters of motorcyclists wore helmets. The research also highlighted that more than one in 10 injured e-scooter riders were children, who were more likely to be severely injured than adults.

Women were found to be 2.1 times more likely to suffer severe injuries than men, despite men being involved in more collisions. The study analysed over 23,000 self-reported e-scooter incidents and near misses, revealing that men had a 36% lower risk of crashing than women. Researchers linked higher injury rates in deprived areas to socioeconomic factors.

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Trials in 11 London boroughs, private use illegal

E-scooter rental trials operate in 11 London boroughs, including Camden, Westminster and Tower Hamlets, as part of a government scheme. Operators Lime and Voi provide hire services in these areas. However, the use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads remains illegal across the UK.

Despite the ban, researchers noted that private e-scooters are increasingly common. The Department for Transport reported 1,312 collisions involving e-scooters in 2024, resulting in six fatalities and 1,390 casualties. This marks an increase from 1,292 collisions in 2023.

As e-scooter adoption expands across Europe, embedding rigorous public health evidence into forthcoming UK legislation will be critical to ensure that the benefits of micromobility are realised while minimising avoidable harm.

Researchers, study published in *Scientific Reports*

What happens next

The Department for Transport said it is reviewing the findings. A spokesperson told *The Standard* that road safety remains a priority, adding that the current trials are testing e-scooter use in controlled environments. The government plans to update legislation based on the trial results before wider rollout.

Barnet Council has not participated in the e-scooter trials. Residents who encounter private e-scooters on public roads can report them to the Metropolitan Police or the council’s highways team. The study’s authors called for policies addressing safety risks, particularly for children and riders in deprived areas.