Scooter Accidents on the Rise in Kansas City

In recent years, Missouri and Kansas have seen a notable rise in the use of electric scooters.  Scooters are a handy and eco-friendly option to get around town compared to other traditional commuting methods.  While they are an easy option, there's also a worrying trend on the rise - a sharp increase in scooter-related accidents. 

Here in Kansas City, whether downtown or in other metro areas, you'll notice e-scooters and e-bikes zipping around everywhere.  It seems like a blast, but the truth is, the statistics on e-bike and scooter accidents is increasing, and so are the associated injuries.

Our firm prioritizes the safety of our community for everyone.  We're dedicated to helping the injured receive fair and just compensation.  If you or a family member has been involved in an electric scooter crash in Missouri or Kansas, reach out to us today at 816-203-0143 for a free consultation.  Our scooter accident attorneys will listen and provide guidance and a strategy to move forward. 

Scooter Accidents and Injuries

Looking at the Numbers

In a January 2024 article by the American College of Surgeons, it shows moderate to severe injuries linked to e-scooter accidents have doubled.  This increase aligns with the expansion of shared e-scooter programs in cities and college campuses. Here are some important takeaways from the article:

  • Hospitalizations due to scooter-related injuries nearly tripled from 2016 to 2020, with over half of the injured patients requiring major surgeries.
  • From 2016 to 2020, the total yearly expenses for hospitalizations related to electric scooter and bike injuries skyrocketed by nearly five times, soaring from $6.6 million in 2016 to $35.5 million in 2020. 

In October 2023 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported some alarming data regarding the increase in scooter related injuries, which included:

  • Emergency rooms across the country attended to about 360,000 injuries associated with e-scooters and e-bikes from 2017 to 2022.
  • Injuries from e-bikes and e-scooters rose by almost 21% in 2022 compared to 2021.
  • The most common injuries from scooter accidents are fractures, followed by bruises and scrapes. The body areas most frequently injured include the upper and lower limbs, as well as the head and neck. 
  • Between 2017 and 2022, there were 233 reported fatalities associated with electric scooters and bikes.

E-Scooter Safety Tips

When using e-scooters and bikes, it's crucial to prioritize some key safety factors. We have a great article on this topic and also outline some of the top tips below:

  • Avoid distractions like using smartphones or wearing earbuds to listen to loud music.
  • Do not operate e-scooters or bikes if you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs.
  • Watch out for poor road conditions such as puddles, potholes, and icy roads. 
  • Wear a helmet and other protective gear. 

Scooters are similar to bikes in the type of exposure a person has to other vehicles.  Our experienced accident attorney explains in tis helpful video:

 

Our Scooter Accident Attorneys Can Help.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a scooter accident in the Kansas City area, contact our office right away.  Our scooter accident attorneys have extensive experience and great results for our clients you can view here.  We have the resources and expertise necessary to handle your case while you recover.

Call us today at 816-203-0143 to schedule a free confidential consultation or fill our our online contact form.  We’re ready to help, and on your side.

 

Kevin J. McManus
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Kevin McManus is an accident injury and disability lawyer in Kansas City, MO, and Overland Park, KS