If you’ve spent any time in Austin, San Antonio, or any other major metro area, you’ve probably seen electric scooters zipping through the streets—or maybe you’ve even taken one for a go yourself. They’re fun, convenient, and a great way to avoid traffic. But they also come with risks.
We’ve all seen the viral videos—riders dodging cars, wiping out on curbs, or even taking scooters onto highways. While e-scooters offer an easy way to get around, they also contribute to a growing number of injuries in Texas. In places like Downtown Austin or San Antonio’s River Walk, they’re a popular choice, but scooters accidents are happening more often than you might think.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes e-scooters dangerous, the latest scooter accident trends in Texas, and the most common electric scooter injuries riders face.
What Makes Electric Scooters Dangerous?
Electric scooters aren’t the enemy. They’ve become an essential part of urban transportation. They reduce traffic congestion, cut down on emissions, and give people a convenient way to travel short distances. But riding them isn’t always safe. The design of scooters, combined with how and where people use them, makes accidents more likely and injuries more severe.
Here’s why e-scooter crashes happen so often:
- Lack of Protective Gear: Many riders forgo helmets, increasing the risk of head injuries.
- High Speeds: With maximum speeds reaching up to 15-20 mph, collisions can result in significant harm.
- No Training Required: The ease of rental means users often start without any formal instruction, leading to mishaps.
- Impaired Riding: Instances of individuals operating e-scooters under the influence of alcohol are not uncommon, impairing judgment and reaction times.
- Infrastructure Challenges: The absence of dedicated bike lanes forces riders onto roads or sidewalks, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Not Built for Rough Roads: Scooters have small wheels that don’t handle potholes, cracks, or debris well—one bad bump, and you’re flying.
From hitting potholes to losing control on a downhill slope, e-scooter accidents happen fast and unexpectedly. Next, let’s take a look into the stats to see just how common these scooter wrecks are and what’s being done about them.
Texas Electric Scooter Accidents: Statistics and Trends
Austin, like many major Texas cities, has embraced electric scooters, but tracking their safety remains a challenge. Unlike traditional motor vehicle accidents, e-scooter crashes often go underreported, making it difficult to get a full picture of their impact. That being said, here’s a look at key statistics and trends surrounding electric scooter accidents and injuries in Texas:
- Data Collection Issues: Two e-scooter companies in Austin reported zero crashes in 2022 and 2023, despite logging nearly 3 million trips. While another company reported 342 crashes in the same period, highlighting inconsistencies in reporting. (Source)
- E-Scooter Usage in Austin: From January 2019 to the end of 2024, users took nearly 19 million e-scooter trips in Austin, Texas. (Source)
- Device Availability: Austin allows around 6,700 e-scooters, while San Antonio permits 2,000. For comparison, Seattle allows the most (9,750), and Dallas the fewest (1,475). (Source)
- Injury Demographics: Injured riders ranged from 9 to 79 years old, with a median age of 29. As shown in the graph below, nearly half (48%) were aged 18-29. (Source)
- Experience Level: 33% of injured riders were on their first e-scooter ride, and 63% had ridden an e-scooter fewer than ten times before their injury. (Source)
- Injury Locations Nationwide: Nearly 60% of e-scooter injuries occurred on sidewalks, with one-third happening where sidewalk riding is prohibited. About another 20% of scooter accident injuries occurred in bike lanes, multi-use trails, or other off-road locations. (Source)
- E-Scooter vs. Car Travel Risks: A 2021 study estimated an e-scooter injury rate of 180 injuries per million vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT), which is 175–200 times higher than the motor vehicle injury rate in Texas and Travis County. (Source)
- Time of Injuries: As illustrated in the graph below, 39% of electric scooter injuries in Austin occurred on weekends. (Source)
- Influencing Factors: 29% of injured riders consumed alcohol within 12 hours before their accident, 37% reported excessive speed as a factor, and 19% cited scooter malfunctions (e.g., brakes, wheels). (Source)
- Injury Locations: 48% of injured riders sustained head injuries, 70% had upper limb injuries, 55% had lower limb injuries, and 18% had chest or abdominal injuries. (Source)
- Severe Injuries: 35% of riders sustained bone fractures (excluding nose, fingers, and toes), with 19% having multiple fractures. 15% showed signs of traumatic brain injuries. Less than 1% of riders were wearing a helmet at the time of injury. (Source)
- Fatalities in Austin: On average, one person dies in an e-scooter collision each year in Austin. (Source)
These statistics reveal the growing safety concerns surrounding electric scooters in Texas, particularly in high-use areas. The data underscores the need for better rider education, infrastructure improvements, and stricter safety measures to reduce injuries and fatalities.
Common Electric Scooter Injuries in Texas
Electric scooters may seem harmless, but their injury rates tell a different story. Riders often suffer serious injuries due to high speeds, lack of protective gear, and collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or road hazards. A large 2019 study done by the City of Austin found that among injured scooter riders:
- 48% sustained injuries to the head (including concussions and traumatic brain injuries).
- 70% had upper limb injuries (hands, wrists, arms, shoulders).
- 55% had lower limb injuries (legs, knees, ankles, feet).
- 18% had chest or abdominal injuries.
- 35% suffered bone fractures, with 19% experiencing multiple fractures. Below you can see where the most fractures were:
- 3% sustained skull fractures or other head injuries.
- 15% showed signs of a traumatic brain injury.
- Less than 1% of riders were wearing a helmet at the time of their accident.
And among those riders with severe injuries:
- 84% had bone fractures.
- 45% suffered nerve, tendon, or ligament damage.
- 8% were hospitalized for more than 48 hours.
- 5% experienced severe bleeding.
- 1% sustained organ damage.
Below are the 10 most common injuries sustained in electric scooter accidents, how they happen, and what medical treatment may be required.
1. Head Injuries & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Without helmets, riders are at high risk for head trauma and TBI. Falls and crashes can lead to concussions, skull fractures, or even brain hemorrhages. While some injuries may only require rest and monitoring, others can have long-term effects and may need surgery.
2. Fractures and Broken Bones
Broken wrists, arms, ankles, and legs are some of the most common e-scooter injuries. The impact of falling at high speeds or colliding with a vehicle often results in fractures that need casting, splinting, or even surgery.
3. Facial Injuries
Since most riders don’t wear face protection, accidents can lead to deep cuts, broken noses, and dental fractures. Many of these injuries require stitches, dental procedures, or reconstructive surgery.
4. Wrist and Hand Injuries
When riders fall, they instinctively put their hands out to break the impact. This can cause sprains, dislocations, and even fractures in the wrists and fingers. Some cases require splints or physical therapy for full recovery.
5. Knee and Leg Injuries
E-scooter crashes often result in knee sprains, ligament tears, and shin injuries. Some falls lead to long-term joint damage, requiring bracing, rehab, or even surgery.
6. Shoulder and Elbow Injuries
High-impact crashes can cause dislocated shoulders, torn rotator cuffs, and elbow fractures. These injuries often need immobilization, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgical repair.
7. Road Rash & Soft Tissue Damage
When riders skid across pavement, they can suffer severe abrasions, muscle bruising, and torn skin. Deep scrapes may require wound care to prevent infection, while muscle injuries can take weeks to heal.
8. Chest and Rib Injuries
Hard falls onto handlebars or collisions with other objects can result in chest pain or bruised or broken ribs. In more serious cases, riders may experience lung injuries or internal bleeding, requiring emergency care.
9. Nerve, Tendon, and Ligament Damage
Nerve injuries (such as pinched nerves) and ligament tears are common in the hands, knees, and shoulders. These injuries can cause lasting pain and weakness, sometimes requiring extensive rehabilitation or even surgery.
10. Severe Bleeding & Organ Damage
Though less common, high-impact crashes can lead to severe bleeding or internal injuries. Riders involved in accidents with cars or other hard surfaces may require emergency surgery and hospitalization.
Recover From Scooter Accidents Faster with Pro-Care!
If you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident, getting the right medical care quickly can make all the difference. Whether you’ve suffered a fracture, concussion, or lingering pain from a crash, our team at Pro-Care is here to help.
We specialize in accident injuries, pain management, neurology, and rehabilitation to help you heal faster and regain mobility. With clinics across Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, and beyond, we make it easy to get the expert care you need.
Click here if you’re ready to schedule an appointment today. Or head here to find an injury clinic near you!
