A recent study conducted by researchers at UCLA has uncovered a significant link between substance use and injuries related to e-scooter accidents. By analyzing data from the National Inpatient Sample spanning 2016 to 2021, the team discovered that one in four hospitalized patients involved in scooter-related incidents had been under the influence of substances such as alcohol, opioids, marijuana, or cocaine at the time of their injury. The findings also reveal an alarming increase in hospitalizations tied to e-scooters over this period, jumping more than eightfold. Additionally, the research highlights that substance use nearly doubles the risk of traumatic brain injuries compared to non-impaired individuals and significantly raises hospital costs.

The study, published in The American Surgeon, emphasizes the importance of addressing substance use within the context of growing e-scooter popularity. Over the five years examined, there was a dramatic rise in hospital admissions due to scooter-related incidents, increasing from 330 cases in 2016 to 2705 in 2021. Researchers found that substance-affected riders faced almost double the likelihood of sustaining severe head trauma compared to those who were not impaired. Furthermore, these instances led to an average additional expense of $4,600 per patient for hospitals.

This investigation marks the first comprehensive exploration into how substance use influences the severity and frequency of scooter-related injuries. According to Dr. Areti Tillou, senior author of the study and vice chair for education in the UCLA Department of Surgery, the rapid expansion of scooter usage has brought with it a concerning trend of substance involvement among users. She notes that while their analysis focused solely on hospitalized cases, the actual number of injuries might be even higher. As urban areas continue to embrace shared micromobility solutions, understanding and mitigating the risks associated with substance use becomes crucial.

To combat these rising concerns, the authors advocate for stringent safety measures including mandatory helmet laws, targeted substance prevention programs, and enhancements to urban infrastructure designed to protect riders better. They stress that without intervention, preventable yet costly injuries will persist, undermining efforts toward safer and more sustainable urban transport systems.

Addressing the growing intersection of substance use and e-scooter injuries is vital as cities expand shared mobility options. Implementing effective policies could help reduce accident rates and promote healthier commuting practices. Through combined efforts in regulation enforcement and public awareness campaigns, the aim is to ensure that future advancements in urban transportation do not come at the expense of rider safety.