Staying Healthy
Scooter-Related Injury Prevention
Scooters, both manual and electric, are a popular way for kids of all ages to be active and get around. However, scooters can be dangerous when ridden around traffic or at a fast speed — especially e-scooters.
Data shows that e-scooter injuries are on the rise, especially in children.
- Per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database, there were 115,713 e-scooter juries in the U.S. in 2024 — up from 29,344 in 2020 and 64,312 in 2023.
- Also per the NEISS, 23.24% of those who suffer e-scooter injuries are between the ages of 15 and 25.
- The NEISS reports that from 2023 to 2024, the number of e-scooter injuries in children under 15 rose by 116%, from 8,159 to 17,641.
Common injuries include cuts, sprains, and fractures of the wrist and elbow.
The most serious scooter-related injuries can damage the head. According to NEISS data, more than 18% of e-scooter injuries in 2024 involved head injuries. That's why, no matter what your age or experience level, you should always wear a helmet to protect your head from injury when riding a scooter.
Many scooter injuries are preventable if you follow some simple safety precautions. The following tips can help keep riders of all ages safe.
Tips for Parents
- Only allow a child to use a scooter if they have demonstrated good judgment, strength, and coordination. Children younger than 8 years old should not use a scooter.
- Check the height and weight restrictions for the scooter to make sure it is the appropriate size for your child.
- Before allowing your child to ride, inspect the scooter for loose parts and ensure that the steering column and handlebars are locked into place.
- Make sure your child has an activity-appropriate, properly-fitting helmet and wears it every time they ride the scooter. In fact, wearing a helmet should be a condition for the child to use the scooter.
- Supervise children of all ages closely the first few times they ride. Younger children who ride should be supervised at all times.
Tips for Safe Scooter Use
- When learning how to ride your scooter, practice in a safe, open area. Be sure you know how to steer properly and use the brakes.
- Always wear protective gear when riding a scooter. This includes:
- A properly-fitting, activity-appropriate helmet
- Wrist guards
- Knee and elbow pads
- Wear sneakers or other close-toed shoes that will protect the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do not go barefoot or wear flip-flops.
- Avoid riding in dangerous settings. Do not ride on slippery or uneven ground, on crowded sidewalks or streets, or downhill on steep hills.
- Wear bright or reflective clothes and avoid riding at dusk or at night.
- Make sure clothing fits snugly and that pants aren't too long. Loose fabric could get caught in the wheels.
- Do not do any jumps, tricks, or stunts.
- Do not wear headphones while on the scooter. It is important to be able to hear the vehicles, people, and pets around you to avoid collisions.
- Do not text or talk on the phone while on the scooter. If you have to read or send a text or make a call, stop the scooter in a safe area first.
- Do not walk a dog while riding a scooter. If the dog starts running or tugs too hard on the leash, it can cause you to lose your balance and crash.
- If you notice any damage to the scooter, do not ride it until you make sure the scooter is functioning properly and there's no risk of parts coming off during use.
- Do not ride if you are taking medication or have a health condition that may cause seizures, dizziness/vertigo, or drowsiness.
- Do not ride if you have an injury that affects your ability to stand, balance, hold onto the handles, or maneuver the scooter.
AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website.