Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Electric scooter accident statistics can be confusing because some reports count crashes, while others count injuries or combine several types of electric vehicles. If you ride an e-scooter, you need figures that show the real scale of the problem. Here is what U.S. national data reveal about injury trends, affected riders, common hazards, and practical ways to stay safer.
Quick Answer
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates 79,300 emergency-department visits linked to e-scooters in 2024 and approximately 380,000 from 2017 through 2024. These are injury estimates, not a count of every crash. CPSC also recorded 206 e-scooter-associated deaths during that eight-year period, although recent fatality reports remain incomplete.
Last checked: September 28, 2026. Figures were verified against official sources.
How Many E-Scooter Accidents Happen Each Year?
The United States recorded an estimated 79,300 emergency-department visits involving electric scooters in 2024. This is a national injury estimate rather than an official count of every accident, including minor crashes that never reach a hospital.
The figures come from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which uses its National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to estimate injuries treated in American hospital emergency departments.
According to the CPSC’s April 2026 micromobility injury report, the estimated number of e-scooter-related emergency visits increased substantially between 2017 and 2024.
Annual U.S. Electric Scooter Injury Statistics
| Year | Estimated E-Scooter Emergency Visits |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 10,600 |
| 2018 | 20,300 |
| 2019 | 39,100 |
| 2020 | Not reportable under CPSC statistical criteria |
| 2021 | 61,200 |
| 2022 | 74,800 |
| 2023 | 58,400 |
| 2024 | 79,300 |
Source: CPSC National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, 2017–2024. Estimates are rounded to the nearest 100. The 2020 estimate did not meet the agency’s statistical reporting criteria.
The 2024 estimate is substantially higher than the 2017 figure. However, injuries did not increase every year: the estimate declined between 2022 and 2023 before rising again in 2024.
CPSC also revised its hospital sampling system in 2024 and adjusted earlier estimates to improve comparability. For that reason, figures in older reports may differ from the numbers shown here.
Note: Hospital injury estimates cannot tell you the exact probability of crashing on an individual scooter trip. They exclude injuries treated outside emergency departments and do not provide a complete national count of scooter journeys.
How Many Electric Scooter Deaths Occur in the U.S.?
CPSC recorded 206 e-scooter-associated fatalities from 2017 through 2024, including 38 deaths associated with incidents in 2024.
These are known reported deaths, not a final nationwide fatality estimate. Death certificate reporting can be delayed, so the agency expects some recent figures to change.
The same report recorded 533 deaths involving all three micromobility categories combined: e-scooters, e-bikes, and self-balancing scooters.
Who Gets Hurt in E-Scooter Accidents?
Men and younger adults account for a substantial share of electric scooter injuries. However, children and older adults can also suffer serious harm.
CPSC’s combined 2017–2024 estimates show that males accounted for approximately 65% of e-scooter-related emergency visits. Riders and other injured people aged 25–44 represented the largest age group.
| Group | Share / Trend |
|---|---|
| Males | 65% of estimated e-scooter injuries |
| Age 15–24 | 26% of estimated e-scooter injuries |
| Age 25–44 | 40% of estimated e-scooter injuries |
| Age 5–14 | 16% of estimated e-scooter injuries |
| Age 65 and older | 2% of estimated e-scooter injuries |
Source: CPSC injury distribution estimates for 2017–2024. Percentages are rounded and describe injury cases, not the proportion of riders in each group who experience accidents.
These numbers do not prove that being male or belonging to a particular age group independently causes a higher crash risk. Riding frequency, travel conditions, and other factors can affect the distribution.
Are Children Particularly Vulnerable?
Children deserve special attention because scooter speed, balance requirements, and traffic hazards can exceed their riding abilities.
Earlier CPSC research found that children aged 14 and younger accounted for approximately 36% of injuries involving all micromobility products from 2017 through 2022.
That figure covers e-scooters, e-bikes, and self-balancing scooters together. It should not be presented as the percentage of electric scooter injuries alone.
Before allowing a child to ride, check the manufacturer’s age and weight limits, local riding rules, and the child’s ability to control and stop the scooter safely.
What’s Driving E-Scooter Injuries?
Electric scooter injuries involve a combination of traffic exposure, loss of control, equipment problems, and rider behavior. More scooter use can increase the number of injuries, but national injury totals alone cannot establish how much risk exists per journey.
CPSC’s investigations show that motor vehicles and loss of control are major concerns. Its 2024 follow-up study also identified problems involving visibility, distraction, and carrying items while riding.
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1. Motor Vehicle Collisions
Motor vehicles were involved in 140 of the 206 e-scooter fatalities reported to CPSC for 2017–2024.
Scooters are small and relatively quiet, which can make them difficult for drivers to notice. Intersections, parking lots, vehicle entrances, and other traffic conflict points deserve particular care.
Use designated riding areas where required, watch for turning vehicles, and avoid assuming that drivers have seen you.
2. Loss of Control and Road Hazards
Small scooter wheels can catch on potholes, cracks, loose gravel, and uneven pavement. A sudden stop may throw you over the handlebars.
Brake problems, damaged tires, and loose steering components can increase the danger. Higher speeds also leave less time to react to a hazard.
In CPSC’s review of reported fatalities, 20 e-scooter deaths were associated with control issues.
3. Poor Visibility and Rider Distraction
CPSC’s 2024 special study found that visibility problems were reported in 20% of estimated e-scooter injury cases.
Distractions such as phones or loud music were reported in 11%, while 32% involved riders carrying or holding something.
These findings come from follow-up interviews with injured people. They identify reported circumstances rather than proving that each factor caused the accident.
4. Alcohol and Impaired Riding
Alcohol and drugs can affect balance, judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Even a familiar route becomes more difficult when you cannot judge speed or respond quickly to traffic. Never ride an electric scooter while impaired.
5. Seasonal Riding Patterns
E-scooter injuries tend to be more concentrated during warmer months.
Across CPSC’s 2017–2024 data, June through September each accounted for approximately 11–13% of estimated annual e-scooter emergency visits.
These are shares of recorded injuries, not proof that an individual ride is more dangerous during summer.
6. Battery and Electrical Hazards
Not every serious e-scooter incident happens while someone is riding.
CPSC associated 15 of the 206 reported e-scooter fatalities with lithium-ion battery fires.
Use the charger recommended by the manufacturer, avoid damaged or modified battery packs, and follow the device’s charging instructions. Never leave a scooter charging while you sleep.
What Injuries Happen Most Often?
Head and facial injuries, arm and wrist injuries, and fractures are among the most common consequences of electric scooter accidents.
A 2026 systematic review of e-scooter injury research found substantial rates of both head trauma and upper-limb injuries. The peer-reviewed analysis of e-scooter injury types reported the following pooled findings:
- Head and face injuries: 42.1% of patients.
- Upper-extremity injuries: 40.1% of patients.
- Extremity fractures: 25.7% of patients.
- Severe traumatic brain injuries: 2.3% of patients.
These categories can overlap because one person may sustain several injuries. The figures summarize patients from multiple clinical studies rather than representing a single year’s U.S. accident statistics.
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Head and Facial Injuries
A fall can cause a concussion, facial cuts, dental damage, or more severe brain trauma.
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
Some symptoms appear immediately, while others develop hours or days after the incident.
Fractures and Other Physical Injuries
When you fall, you may instinctively extend your arms to protect yourself. That can lead to wrist, hand, or forearm fractures.
Other possible injuries include:
- Arm, shoulder, ankle, and leg fractures.
- Scrapes, bruises, and deep cuts.
- Neck and spinal injuries.
- Internal bleeding or damage to internal organs.
Serious injuries can require hospitalization or surgery. However, the need for an operation depends on the nature and severity of the injury.
For context, a U.S. study of hospitalized scooter patients from 2016–2020 found that 55.8% underwent major operations. The study included different types of scooters and only hospitalized patients, so that percentage does not describe all electric scooter accidents.
Warning: After a head injury, seek emergency care for repeated vomiting, worsening headache, seizures, unusual confusion, weakness, or difficulty staying awake. Do not continue riding if you suspect a concussion.
When Should You Get Medical Help After a Scooter Crash?
Get medical attention if you have persistent pain, swelling, trouble moving a limb, or symptoms suggesting a concussion.
The CDC’s concussion guidance explains the danger signs that require emergency medical care.
Even if you initially feel fine, watch for delayed symptoms after a head impact. A healthcare professional can assess whether further examination or treatment is necessary.
How Can Riders Prevent E-Scooter Accidents?
You can reduce your risk by wearing protective equipment, maintaining your scooter, controlling your speed, and staying alert around traffic.
The following steps reflect the CPSC’s official micromobility safety guidance.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet. Use a bicycle helmet every time you ride. Knee, elbow, and wrist protection can offer additional protection during falls.
- Inspect the scooter before riding. Check the handlebars, brakes, throttle, tires, lights, cables, and frame for damage or loose parts.
- Test the brakes. Learn how quickly your scooter stops before entering traffic. Stopping distance varies between models.
- Use safe riding locations. Follow local traffic laws, riding-zone restrictions, posted speed limits, and traffic signals.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars. Avoid carrying bags or other objects in your hands while moving.
- Make yourself visible. Use working lights and reflectors, especially during low-light conditions.
- Reduce speed near hazards. Watch for potholes, gravel, wet surfaces, curbs, and uneven pavement.
- Avoid distractions. Do not use your phone or listen to music that prevents you from hearing nearby traffic.
- Ride alone. Do not carry passengers unless the scooter is specifically designed and approved for that purpose.
- Respect the manufacturer’s limits. Follow its instructions for rider age, total weight, use, and maintenance.
These habits are especially useful in busy urban areas, where cars, pedestrians, bicycles, and scooters frequently share limited space.
For shared rental scooters, report damaged equipment through the operator’s reporting system rather than riding a scooter that appears unsafe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Common Are E-Scooter Accidents?
Electric scooter accidents cause tens of thousands of emergency-department visits annually in the United States. CPSC estimated 79,300 e-scooter-related emergency visits in 2024. The actual number of crashes is different because many incidents never lead to emergency treatment, and a single crash may injure more than one person.
What Are the Top Three Causes of Fatal E-Scooter Incidents?
Motor vehicle collisions, loss of control, and battery fires are three major fatal hazards identified by CPSC. Among 206 reported e-scooter fatalities from 2017 through 2024, 140 involved motor vehicles, 20 involved control issues, and 15 were associated with battery fires. Other cases involved falls, pedestrians, and additional hazards.
Is It Safe for a 12-Year-Old to Ride an Electric Bike?
A 12-year-old should not ride an electric bike without appropriate supervision, protective equipment, and a suitable riding environment. E-bike rules vary by location and vehicle classification. Check the manufacturer’s age limits and local laws before allowing a child to ride. Electric bikes and standing electric scooters also have different handling characteristics.
Can a 300-Lb Person Ride an Electric Scooter?
Yes, provided the scooter’s stated maximum load supports the rider’s weight and any carried belongings. Exceeding the manufacturer’s limit can affect braking, handling, performance, and component safety. Choose a suitable heavy-duty model and follow its instructions for tire pressure, maintenance, and safe operation.
Are National Electric Scooter Accident Statistics Available for 2025?
A comparable final national accident total for 2025 was not verified for this article. The CPSC report published in April 2026 covers injuries and deaths from 2017 through 2024. Avoid comparing an unverified 2025 crash count directly with earlier hospital injury estimates because these measures may use different definitions and reporting systems.
Do Electric Scooter Injury Statistics Include Rental Scooters?
Yes, CPSC’s e-scooter injury estimates include rental and privately owned standing electric scooters. Its 2024 follow-up study estimated that rental scooters accounted for 35% of e-scooter-related emergency visits. This is a share of estimated injuries, not a direct comparison of crash risk per trip for rental and privately owned scooters.
Conclusion
Electric scooter accident statistics show a substantial increase in U.S. emergency-department injuries between 2017 and 2024. Motor vehicle collisions, loss of control, and head injuries remain important safety concerns.
You can reduce avoidable risks by wearing a helmet, inspecting your scooter, keeping your speed under control, and riding defensively. Treat traffic hazards seriously, even on short journeys.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Micromobility Products-Related Deaths, Injuries, and Hazard Patterns: 2017–2024: National injury estimates, fatalities, demographics, seasonal patterns, and incident characteristics.
- CPSC Micromobility Information Center: Official electric scooter riding, maintenance, protective equipment, and battery safety guidance.
- E-Scooter-Associated Injury Types and Injury Severity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Research on common injuries, fractures, head trauma, and injury severity.
- National Trends and Clinical Outcomes after Scooter Injury in the US: 2016 to 2020: Hospitalization outcomes and surgical treatment statistics.
- CDC, Symptoms of Mild TBI and Concussion: Concussion symptoms, delayed warning signs, and emergency care recommendations.
