E-scooter Related Facial Injuries- A One Year Review Following Implementation Of A Citywide Trial

Abstract ObjectiveBirmingham City Council commenced e-scooter trials from September 2020 as part of the wider UK effort to introduce E-scooters as an alternative method of transport. Our aim was to review and evaluate maxillofacial injuries in the initial trial period of 1-year and comment on the safety implications.MethodThe Queen Elizabeth Hospital is a level 1 Major Trauma Centre and the hub for maxillofacial services in Birmingham, UK. A single-center retrospective study captured patients who sustained e-scooter related facial injuries in the Birmingham e-scooter trial period from September 2020 to September 2021.ResultsA total of 29 patients were identified as having facial injuries. 59% (n=17) of patients were male and aged under 30. 43% (n=18) of all injuries recorded involved hard tissue. 41% (n=12) of patients were recorded to be under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. The non-use of helmets was recorded at 34% (n=10) of patients. 20 patients were managed operatively. 100% of patients (n=12) that were under the influence of drugs or alcohol required operative management.ConclusionWith the introduction of the trials, it is shown that facial injuries represent a sizeable proportion of all injuries. It is clear that e-scooters have significant safety issues. Our study may influence legislation to account for improvements in users’ compliance to safety measures and enforcement of those using e-scooters illegally. Legislation regarding the future of E-scooters is expected from the Department of Transport (UK) in March 2022.