A Retrospective Evaluation of Emergency Department Electric Scooter Impact Before and After the Introduction of a Hire Electric Scooter Service

Emergency Medicine Australasia 2026 Open access

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Authors: Amanda McConnell, Heather McNeil, Jasraaj Singh, William H. Kitchen, Mark Johnson, Lucy Atkinson
DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.70227
Cited by: 1
References: 5

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of hire e-scooters on injury presentations at Cairns emergency department (ED). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study comparing e-scooter injuries before and after the introduction of hire e-scooters. RESULTS: A total of 323 patients presented with e-scooter injuries. There were 133 'before' and 190 'after' cases. The majority were males aged 10-20. Hospital admissions and length of stay increased in the 'after' group (32% vs. 9%, 27 vs. 9 staying > 24 h). CONCLUSIONS: Hire e-scooters are associated with a higher trauma burden. These findings support targeted safety interventions and collaborative injury prevention strategies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Injury Epidemiology and Prevention Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility Urban Transport and Accessibility

Publication details

Journal / source
Emergency Medicine Australasia
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
38
Issue
1
Pages
e70227–e70227
Publication date
1 February 2026
Language
EN