By this point, most residents of Northern Illinois are aware that Year Two of the Chicago e-scooter pilot program is now underway. The second round of the program began in August and consists of about 10,000 electric scooters for rent throughout much of the city. During the first month of this year’s program, riders took more than 230,000 trips, which seems to indicate a level of acceptance from the general public.

It is important to remember, however, that e-scooters can be dangerous if they are not used properly and ridden in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. In fact, several dozen deaths have been linked to e-scooters and similar modes of transportation in the last few years, as well as tens of thousands of additional injuries.

Federal Estimates, Scary Numbers

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), no fewer than 41 people have been killed between 2017 and 2019 in incidents involving e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards—collectively known as “micro-mobility” devices. During that same period, approximately 133,000 people required emergency room treatment for injuries related to micro-mobility products. These figures represent an upward trend in injuries and deaths involving these items, which is hardly surprising, as the trend largely corresponds to the uptick in the devices’ popularity.

E-scooters, however, seem to account for a significant part of the increase in injuries and deaths. A study released by the CPSC last month found that ER visits linked to e-scooters increased to 27,700 in 2019 from 14,500 in 2018 and 7,700 in 2017. As far as fatalities are concerned, e-scooters were tied to 27 deaths between 2017 and 2019. E-bikes accounted for 10 deaths, and hoverboards accounted for four. Hoverboards have been popular among children since their release in 2015, but e-scooters are typically used by adults. In fact, nearly 60 percent of all reported e-scooter injuries were sustained by people ages 25 and over.

How Injuries and Deaths Happen

The CPSC says that most of the deaths associated with e-scooters occurred as a result of a collision with a car or truck. Some of the deaths, however, were pedestrians who were hit by the scooters. A collision with a motor vehicle was the most common source of injury, but riders were also injured while riding illegally on sidewalks in certain communities. Unfortunately, riding while intoxicated has become a significant problem, as well, and drunk riders present a serious danger to those around them.

Call a Chicago Scooter Injury Attorney

Have you been injured by the carelessness or negligence of an e-scooter rider in Chicago? Or, maybe you were riding a scooter safely and legally, but you were hit by an inattentive driver. In either case, your best option is to contact an experienced Illinois e-scooter injury lawyer at Livas Law Group, A Division of Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz. Our team will help you manage your situation and work hard to recover the full compensation you deserve. Call 312-804-6102 for a free consultation and case evaluation today.

 

Sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/e-scooter-hoverboard-e-bike-deaths-41-last-3-years/

https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2020/E-Scooter-Related-Injuries-Are-on-the-Rise-CPSC-Releases-New-Study-and-Public-Service-Announcement

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Micromobility-Products-Related-Deaths-Injuries-and-Hazard-Patterns-2017%E2%80%932019.pdf?90dOQxCOSzGvGRFGX6UF6Z6zvQhV9R1P

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