Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Two separate analyses reported by the American College of Surgeons point to a growing burden of e-scooter injuries in trauma data and a higher share of major injuries among younger injured riders. The findings are not interchangeable: one tracks trauma admissions from 2021 to 2023; the other compares injury severity among injured patients age 18 and younger. Neither establishes the risk per ride.

What the two analyses found

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) reported that both studies were selected for presentation at its Clinical Congress 2026. The abstracts had not yet been peer reviewed, and the ACS release does not include full methods, confidence intervals, or detailed limitations. Read the ACS release.

Analysis Population and data What it measured Key finding
National trauma-admission analysis 10,151 e-scooter trauma admissions in national trauma data from 2021–2023; researchers from Howard University Hospital Admission counts and share of all trauma admissions in the database Admissions rose from 2,311 in 2021 to 4,430 in 2023, a reported increase of 92%; e-scooter cases rose from 0.19% to 0.34% of database trauma admissions.
Separate pediatric and young-patient analysis 2,185 injured patients age 18 and younger in NEISS data; Mass General Brigham for Children research team Injury severity by age among injured patients captured in that analysis Major injuries were reported in 65.6% of patients under 16, compared with 53.7% among patients older than 16.

Are e-scooter injuries increasing?

In the national trauma-admission analysis, the number of e-scooter admissions nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023, and their share of all trauma admissions in the database also increased. This indicates a larger burden within that database over the period studied.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

It does not show that an individual ride or rider became 92% more likely to result in a trauma admission. The figures are counts and proportions of trauma admissions, not rates adjusted for the number of rides, riders, or time spent riding. The ACS release does not provide those exposure denominators.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
OutdoorMaster Skateboard Cycling Helmet - Two Removable Liners Ventilation Multi-Sport Scooter Roller Skate Inline Skating for Kids, Youth & Adults - L - Black
  • Durable: Built for both comfort and impact resistance with reinforced ABS shell & thickened shock-absorbing EPS core
  • Extra Removable Lining: Skateboard helmet with two removable liner for different head sizes and easy to wash the sweat away
  • A Helmet for Multi-Sport: Smooth Ventilation System helps to protect and enjoy skating, cycling, BMX, MTB and etc
  • Double Adjustment: Well-attached & long-lasting adjustment dial and skin-friendly adjustable chin strap maximize the best fit and comfortable wearing
  • How to Measure A Proper Helmet: To find the right size bike helmet, start by measuring your head circumference, wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest portion of your head about one inch above your eyebrows. Or, wrap a string around your head, then measure the length of string with a yardstick. Size Large is recommended if your size is between 21.3-22.8 inch (54 cm-58 cm). The recommended Age Grading: 5 Years and Older

Were younger injured riders more likely to have major injuries?

In the separate NEISS analysis, patients under 16 had a higher reported proportion of major injuries than patients older than 16: 65.6% versus 53.7%. The comparison is among injured patients included in that study, not among all children and adults who ride e-scooters.

The younger group also had a lower average reported speed: 17.6 mph, compared with 20.3 mph among older patients. After adjustment, older age was associated with three times the odds of a minor injury and 58% lower odds of a major injury. These are associations reported in the release; they do not establish why injury severity differed.

Rank #2
Retrospec Dakota Protective Bike Helmet, Skateboard, Scooter, Adults/Youth
  • MULTI-SPORT PROTECTION: This versatile adult skate helmet works for BMX, skating, scooters, and bikes - one reliable helmet for all your action sports adventures and thrills
  • IMPACT RESISTANT: Durable ABS shell with shock-absorbing EPS foam keeps you safe during spills — a men's bike helmet built to handle whatever you throw at it
  • COOL AIRFLOW: Ten strategically placed vents create 360-degree ventilation to keep your head cool and comfortable during intense rides - no more overheating or stuffiness
  • EASY MAINTENANCE: Removable, washable interior padding wicks moisture and stays fresh, adult bicycle helmets that are simple to clean and maintain ride after ride
  • SIZE RANGE: 3 sizes to fit most adult riders - adjustable design accommodates different head circumferences for secure, comfortable protection. Small (51-54cm), Medium (54-57cm) & Large (57-60cm).

What the trauma-admission figures say about outcomes and helmets

Across the 10,151 admissions in the national trauma analysis, 16.2% required ICU admission and 11.3% underwent an operation. The release characterized 85% of injuries as minor or moderate. These figures describe this trauma-admission sample, not all e-scooter crashes or injuries.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Helmet use was documented in 12.1% of admissions. The ACS release says helmet use and obesity were associated with lower odds of ICU admission after adjustment, but gives no effect estimate. The association does not prove that helmet use caused a reduction in ICU admissions, and the release does not evaluate particular helmet models.

Rank #3
ILM Adult Bike Helmet with LED Front Back Light Bicycle Helmets E3-10L(Matte Black, Large/X-Large)
  • Excellent Safety Protection: Certified by ASTM, CPSC, CE, and EN1078. The one-piece structure combines EPS and PC shells to ensure better shock absorption and provide safer protection. The e bike helmet adult is protective and ideal for urban commuting, cycling, skateboarding; also suitable for city, road, electric, trek bike and etc.
  • Highly Visible: This ebike helmet designed with USB rechargeable front and rear light. While the front lights provide lighting, the rear lights provide higher visibility for the vehicles or people behind you, providing better protection on the city streets; Features 3 lighting modes, the bike helmet with light can be easily changed lighting modes from Steady into Flashing or Blinking by simple clicks button.
  • Cool Riding: 10 strategically placed vents actively capture cool airflow through the front vents and push the hot air out through the rear cooling channels to reduce overheating and keep you cool on your long rides; The electric bike helmets are lightweight without much pressure on your head even for a longer duration of wearing.
  • Size Adjustment System: Detachable tinted lens, blocks UV rays/dust/sand, electric scooter helmet is eyeglass friendly Size adjuster meets the requirements of most cyclists head sizes.
  • Removable&Washable Lining: The inner lining is made of breathable mesh fabric to keep you dry while riding. In addition, Electronic smart bike helmet can't be 100% guaranteed to work properly. If there is any problem with the light, please contact us. We will give you a proper solution.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What riders and families can reasonably take from this

The findings support taking e-scooter safety seriously, particularly for younger riders, while recognizing that these studies do not establish a per-ride risk or explain the age-related difference in severity. Quyen D. Chu, MD, MBA, FACS, senior author of the trauma analysis, said in the ACS release: “It’s important to recognize that e-scooters are not innocuous vehicles; there is danger to them,”

Cornelia L. Griggs, MD, MPH, FACS, senior author of the pediatric study, said in the release: “An e-scooter is not a toy. We know they’re convenient and many families enjoy them, but a child can get hurt far worse on one than on a regular bike.” The remarks are quoted by ACS, rather than independently obtained interview transcripts.

Rank #4
Retrospec Dakota Bicycle / Skateboard Helmet for Adults - Commuter, Bike, Skate, Scooter, Longboard & Incline Skating - Highly Protective & Premium Ventilation- Large - Matte Navy
  • MULTI-SPORT PROTECTION: This versatile adult skate helmet works for BMX, skating, scooters, and bikes - one reliable helmet for all your action sports adventures and thrills
  • IMPACT RESISTANT: Durable ABS shell with shock-absorbing EPS foam keeps you safe during spills — a men's bike helmet built to handle whatever you throw at it
  • COOL AIRFLOW: Ten strategically placed vents create 360-degree ventilation to keep your head cool and comfortable during intense rides - no more overheating or stuffiness
  • EASY MAINTENANCE: Removable, washable interior padding wicks moisture and stays fresh, adult bicycle helmets that are simple to clean and maintain ride after ride
  • SIZE RANGE: 3 sizes to fit most adult riders - adjustable design accommodates different head circumferences for secure, comfortable protection. Small (51-54cm), Medium (54-57cm) & Large (57-60cm).

Helmet use is a practical safety measure to consider, but the release does not establish a specific helmet’s effectiveness. Age limits, speed restrictions, and helmet requirements vary by state and locality; check the rules that apply where you ride rather than assuming a national standard.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Sale
Schwinn Thrasher Helmet for Adults, Black, Size 58 - 62 cm, for Riders Ages 14+, Lightweight Microshell, Adjustable Dial and Straps, Interior Padding, 20 Air Vents, Removable Visor, Adult Bike Helmet
  • ADULT BIKE HELMET: Designed for fitness and recreational rides, this sporty bicycle helmet fits riders ages 14+ with head circumferences from 58 - 62 cm. Wherever the road leads, you’re covered.
  • THE PERFECT, SECURE FIT: The adjustable dial retention system offers a snug, secure fit with just a twist, while side and chin straps fine-tune the fit for all-day comfort and stability. Sun protection is a snap with an easily removable visor.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMFORTABLE: This mens and womens helmet features microshell construction for lightweight durability, while full-coverage padding surrounds the head in 360° comfort and can be removed and washed.
  • READY TO GO THE EXTRA MILE: Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 1 and Older (Extended Head Coverage). Twenty air vents keep you cool – this Schwinn bike helmet is ready for the adventure.
  • TRUSTED SCHWINN QUALITY: Schwinn is the original American bike brand. We’ve spent over 130 years building the bicycle industry into what it is today, and we’re not done yet. Each product is designed in Madison, WI.

What remains uncertain

  • The ACS release does not provide the underlying abstracts’ full methods, confidence intervals, or detailed limitations.
  • The trauma-database increase cannot establish whether risk per ride changed, because the release reports no ride or rider exposure denominator.
  • The pediatric percentages describe injured patients captured in a separate analysis; they do not estimate the chance that any child rider will be injured or seriously hurt.
  • The release reports associations, not proof that helmets or age caused the observed outcome differences.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.