E-scooter riders face 3.5 times higher brain injury risk than motorcyclists
Study of 15,247 trauma patients shows helmet use in only 5.9% of e-scooter incidents in England and Wales
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E-scooter riders in England and Wales face a 3.5 times higher risk of traumatic brain injury than motorcyclists, a study of 15,247 trauma patients has found. The research, published in *Scientific Reports*, analysed data from the National Major Trauma Registry covering incidents between 2020 and 2022.
The study included 580 e-scooter riders, 7,000 motorcyclists and 7,740 cyclists. It found e-scooter users also faced a 1.5 times higher risk of internal organ injuries and a 3.2 times higher risk of vascular injuries compared with motorcyclists. The risks were similarly elevated when compared with cyclists.
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Helmet use rare, women at higher risk
Helmet use was recorded in only 5.9% of e-scooter incidents, the study showed. By comparison, around 45% of cyclists and nearly half of motorcyclists wore helmets during incidents. The research also found that women e-scooter riders were 2.1 times more likely to suffer severe injuries than men.
Children accounted for more than one in 10 e-scooter riders in the study. The analysis suggested they were more likely to be injured than adults. Researchers noted that e-scooter incidents were more common in deprived areas, highlighting socioeconomic factors in safety risks.
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Collisions rise as trials continue
The Department for Transport recorded 1,312 collisions involving e-scooters in 2024, up from 1,292 in 2023. These incidents resulted in 1,390 casualties and six fatalities. The figures cover both rental schemes and illegal use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads.
E-scooters are currently legal only as part of government-approved rental trials in selected cities, including several London boroughs. Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes. The Department for Transport said it was reviewing the evidence from these trials before considering wider legalisation.
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.
Study authors, *Scientific Reports*
A Department for Transport spokesperson said the findings were concerning. They added that road safety was a priority and that the current trials were testing e-scooter use in a controlled environment. The government has not set a date for a decision on wider legalisation.
Questions this report answers
+How much higher is the brain injury risk for e-scooter riders compared with motorcyclists?
E-scooter riders face a 3.5 times higher risk of traumatic brain injury than motorcyclists, according to a study of 15,247 trauma patients. The research analysed data from incidents in England and Wales between 2020 and 2022.
+What percentage of e-scooter riders wore helmets during incidents?
Helmet use was documented in only 5.9% of e-scooter incidents, the study found. This compares with around 45% of cyclists and nearly half of motorcyclists who wore helmets during incidents.
+How many e-scooter collisions were recorded in 2024?
The Department for Transport recorded 1,312 collisions involving e-scooters in 2024. These incidents resulted in 1,390 casualties and six fatalities, covering both rental schemes and illegal use of private e-scooters.
+Are e-scooters legal in London?
E-scooters are legal only as part of government-approved rental trials in selected London boroughs. Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes across the UK.
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