A shocking new analysis reveals just how dangerous America’s streets have become for micromobility riders. According to Avian Law Group’s Micromobility Accident Report 2025, e-bike injuries have surged from 751 in 2017 to more than 23,000 in 2022 – a staggering 3,000% increase.

E-scooter riders have fared no better. Annual injuries skyrocketed from 8,500 to nearly 57,000 in the same period. In 2022 alone, micromobility injuries jumped 21% over the previous year, underscoring what safety experts are calling a “public health emergency on wheels.”

LOCAL NEWS: 10 things you may not know are manufactured in Arizona

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

How fast are e-scooter and e-bike injuries growing?

Injuries tied to micromobility devices have surged nationwide. A 2024 analysis in JAMA Network Open of 86,623 ER visits found that e-bike injuries increased by nearly 100% per year, while e-scooter injuries rose by more than 45% annually from 2017–2022.

Broader surveillance confirms the trend. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that micromobility injuries increased nearly 21% in 2022 versus 2021. And a UCSF summary of national hospital data shows e-bike injuries climbing from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022, while e-scooter injuries grew from 8,566 to 56,847 over the same period.

How severe are these crashes—and do helmets help?

Head trauma and fractures dominate the injury profile. In a CDC–Austin study of dockless scooters, 15% of injured riders had a traumatic brain injury, and fewer than 1% were wearing helmets at the time of the crash (15% TBI; <1% helmeted). Hospitalization patterns echo the severity in larger datasets, with orthopedics and head injuries prominent among admitted cases.

Are micromobility trips riskier than other modes?

Risk varies by metric, but emerging evidence suggests higher injury rates than for cars or bicycles in some settings. A Los Angeles analysis estimated approximately 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter trips, outpacing national injury rates for bicycles and passenger cars.

What’s driving the danger?

Exposure and speeds. Usage has exploded, and typical shared scooters reach 15–20 mph—enough for serious injury in a fall or collision.

Infrastructure gaps. Small wheels and mixed traffic amplify risks from potholes, poor lighting, and unprotected lanes; in Austin, surface hazards were frequently cited in single-vehicle incidents (study details).

Low helmet use. Observational and clinical data repeatedly show very low helmet adoption (e.g., <1% among injured riders), correlating with higher rates of head injury.

Device and battery issues. Federal investigators have documented recurring patterns involving control problems, brake failures, and lithium-ion fires; CPSC linked micromobility to 19 fire-related deaths in 2021–2022.

Are cities tightening the rules in 2025?

Yes—especially in high-usage corridors. In August 2025, the Las Vegas City Council approved rules capping speeds at 15 mph in city-operated spaces and requiring helmets for minors, aligning with Clark County’s regional approach.

Regional snapshot: California, Arizona, and Nevada

California. The Los Angeles region has recorded elevated utilization-adjusted risk, with an estimated 115 injuries per 1M scooter trips. State law also sets baseline rules for e-scooters, including a 15 mph maximum and helmets for riders under 18.

Arizona. Phoenix runs a permanent shared-micromobility program (Lime and Spin) with set operating zones and rules to manage growth and safety (program overview).

Nevada. Clark County codified speed caps of 15 mph in county parks and requires safety equipment; Las Vegas echoed the framework with city-level limits and helmet requirements for minors.

Who gets hurt most?

Demographics vary by device and city, but multiple studies show a concentration among working-age adults and frequent head injuries where helmet use is uncommon. Nationally, e-bike injuries have accelerated sharply—rising from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022—while e-scooter injuries climbed from 8,566 to 56,847. CPSC records also reflect a growing fatality burden, with 233 micromobility deaths (2017–2022).

Where do legal responsibilities fall after a crash?

Negligent motorists. When a driver’s speeding, distraction, or failure to yield harms a scooter/bike rider, traditional negligence rules apply—just as in auto-vs-bicycle cases.

Rider conduct. Comparative negligence may reduce recovery if a rider’s own violations (e.g., intoxicated operation) contributed to the crash; outcomes hinge on facts, evidence, and local codes.

Product & maintenance defects. If a brake failure, control glitch, or battery event precipitates a wreck, manufacturers or fleet operators can face liability—hazard patterns cited by federal investigators include brake problems and fire risks.

Roadway hazards. Serious single-vehicle crashes often follow contact with potholes or irregular surfaces; claims against public entities or property owners may arise where a dangerous condition is a proximate cause.

What can riders and cities do right now?

For riders

• Wear a helmet—every trip. Head injuries are common; Austin data show <1% helmet use among injured riders.

• Slow down and scan. Many single-vehicle incidents involve loss of control or surface hazards (study details).

• Be visible at night. Elevated after-dark risk accompanies poor conspicuity (see 115 per-million-trip estimate).

• Device check. Test brakes/steering; do not modify governors or batteries. CPSC has flagged multiple control and battery hazards (overview).

For cities & operators

• Protected networks. Separate small-wheel devices from fast car traffic; prioritize pavement quality where scooters/bikes ride.

• Targeted rules & education. Align speed caps (e.g., 15 mph), minor helmet requirements (Las Vegas), and no-ride areas; mandate in-app safety briefings and rapid fleet maintenance.

• Data & batteries. Standardize incident reporting and enforce UL-listed battery/charger standards to mitigate fire and control risks (CPSC guidance).

Conclusion: Innovation and accountability must travel together

Micromobility is here to stay—and so is the responsibility to make it safer. The latest national and regional data show fast-rising injuries, stubborn helmet gaps, and evolving legal frameworks to match reality on the ground. With common-sense rider habits, protected infrastructure, clear rules, and rigorous product standards, cities can capture the benefits of e-scooters and e-bikes without accepting preventable harm as the cost of convenience.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an e-scooter or e-bike crash, speak with a personal injury attorney to understand your options and protect your rights. Avian Law Group’s team helps injured riders pursue the compensation and accountability they deserve.