95% of Electric Scooter Injuries Involve Riders, 5% Pedestrians: Armen Muradyan

The 'Heratsi' analytical group has summarized the injuries recorded as a result of riding electric scooters in the hospitals of Yerevan State Medical University. This was shared by the Rector of YSMU Armen Muradyan on his Facebook page.

“Any issue, especially new emerging problems, requires thorough study and analysis, based on which fact-based decisions can be made aimed at preserving people's health and ensuring safety,” said Muradyan.

As mentioned before, one of the strategic tools aimed at improving road safety is the steady monitoring of circumstances surrounding road traffic accidents, including the regular operation of a system (registry) dedicated to identifying factors leading to injuries or their absence.

“Heratsi” has analyzed the statistics of individuals treated for injuries at YSMU’s Heratsi №1 University Hospital as a result of accidents related to electric scooters and similar vehicles. This analysis provides an overall understanding of the current relevance of the issue and certain characteristics.

From March 1 to July 1 of this year, specialists from the hospital complex provided medical assistance and care to 38 individuals, with an equal representation of males and females.

Similar to other countries in the European region, the majority of the injured individuals, 95%, were the riders of the vehicles, while 5% were pedestrians who were injured due to collisions with electric scooters.

All injured individuals who visited the hospital, including the vehicle operators, were adults, with the majority (68%) being in the age group of 18-30, and 32% representing the age group of 30 and older.

The nature of the injuries is significant, as it was found that 24% of the injured had fractures, while the remaining 76% had injuries of varying degrees but without fractures. Hospitalization was required in 2 cases; all others received outpatient medical assistance and were not hospitalized.

The aforementioned data, which represent cases recorded in only one hospital complex, evidently highlight significant health problems arising from electric scooter use that require regulation at both legislative and sub-legislative levels.