Restrictions on top speed and nighttime usage substantially decrease the incidence of electric scooter injuries

Abstract Objective To investigate the effectiveness of restrictions on top speed and nighttime usage on the incidence of e-scooter-related injuries. Design A retrospective comparative study. We compared shared e-scooter injuries from two periods: Unrestricted period (1.1-31.8.2021), and Restricted period (1.1.-31.8.2022). Setting General population of Helsinki, Finland. We collected the data from the electric patient database from three trauma hospitals representing all public hospitals treating acute trauma patients in Helsinki. Participants All patients with an injury related to shared e-scooter riding sustained in Helsinki Interventions The restrictions established for shared e-scooters during the restricted period were: 1) The daytime top speed of 20km/h, as opposed to the previous 25km/h, 2) the use of shared e-scooters was prohibited on Friday and Saturday nights between 12 p.m. and 5 a.m, and 3) the nighttime top speed was lowered to 15 km/h from Sunday to Thursday between 12 p.m. and 5 a.m., as opposed to 25 km/h. Main outcome measure Proportional incidence of e-scooter injuries compared to the total trips made by e-scooters. Results There were 528 e-scooter injuries requiring hospital care during the unrestricted period (1.1.-31.8.2021) and 318 injuries during the restricted period of similar length (1.1.-31.8.2022). The proportional incidence of e-scooter injuries was 19 (95% CI 17-20) for every 100 000 rides during the unrestricted period and 9 (95% 8-10) per 100 000 rides during the restricted period. In the risk analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for shared e-scooter accidents was 0.5 (95% CI 0.4-0.6) for the restricted period when adjusted for hourly temperature, rain amount, wind speed, and visibility. After introducing the restrictions, the number of e-scooter injuries decreased significantly between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Conclusions Restrictions on the top speed and nighttime usage of e-scooters decreased the amount of e-scooter injuries. We recommend similar restrictions in cities with shared e-scooter services.