Slaughter on Wheels: Report Reveals Shocking Numbers Behind Silent Injury Pandemic
Grim data for 2024 published in the U.S. indicates a steep and alarming rise in injuries from the popular mode of transport. Safety experts warn that the combination of a lack of regulation and use without protective gear is contributing to the crisis.
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WASHINGTON – A new report published in August 2025 paints an alarming picture of electric scooter use in the United States, pointing to a sharp increase in the number of victims treated in emergency rooms. According to the data, nearly 116,000 injuries related to the vehicle were documented during 2024, an 80% increase compared to 2023.
The report, "Electric Scooter Accident Report 2025," is based on national data collection and notes that the growing popularity of scooters is not accompanied by adequate safety measures. One of the most disturbing findings concerns young riders: the number of injuries among children under the age of 14 more than doubled compared to the previous year, reaching approximately 18,000 cases. Head injuries constitute a significant portion of all incidents, with nearly 21,000 cases across all age groups.
Safety experts and medical officials who analyzed the findings point to a combination of several key factors that led to the increase. "We are seeing a combination of very high vehicle availability with an almost complete lack of enforcement of basic safety laws like wearing a helmet and age limits," explains an official from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "The infrastructure in many cities is not adapted for such a large number of electric vehicles, which creates dangerous friction between them, pedestrians, and cars."
The report details that most accidents occur on weekends and in the evening hours, and that the involvement of other vehicles in an accident usually leads to more severe injuries.
Following the publication of the grim data, safety organizations in the U.S. are calling on local and federal authorities to tighten regulations on the rental and purchase of electric scooters. Among the recommendations raised are: establishing a uniform national minimum age for riding, stricter enforcement of helmet use, and increased investment in safe, separated riding lanes. To date, regulation on the issue has remained fragmented and varies significantly from state to state and from city to city.