Tampa Bay kids at risk as e-scooter injuries rise
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The U.S. is seeing an alarming rise in electric scooter injuries — particularly among children, according to data compiled by ERideHero, a consumer guide to electric micro-mobility.
Why it matters: E-scooters have become mainstream in many cities — including in Tampa Bay.
- While they offer a clean, convenient way to travel, they also come with increased risks.
By the numbers: E-scooter injuries in the U.S. rose by 80% to nearly 116,000 in 2024, according to ERideHero's 2025 Electric Scooter Accident Report.
- Accidents among children more than doubled, with nearly 18,000 kids under 15 getting hurt — many suffering head trauma.
- 68% of those injured were male, and over 10,000 injuries involved driving under the influence.
Zoom in: From July 2019 to May 2022, Tampa General Hospital's Emergency Department recorded nearly 300 e-scooter injuries, according to a 2023 study from a group of University of South Florida professors.
- In the time since, e-scooters in Tampa Bay have been involved in fatal collisions with pedestrians, bicyclists, buses and cars.
What they found: Researchers noted low helmet use among riders in accidents and a higher risk of more severe injuries when a rider is under the influence of alcohol.
- In Tampa and St. Petersburg, helmets are encouraged for e-scooter riders but not required.
What they're saying: "Our data highlight a growing public health concern and a multifactorial burden on the city's healthcare system," the authors wrote.
- "We call upon lawmakers and e-scooter companies to strongly consider the emerging data on e-scooter risks and system burdens and be proactive in their efforts to prevent their associated morbidity and mortality."
Zoom out: "The 80% jump in just one year can't be explained by adoption alone," says Rasmus Barslund, founder of ERideHero.
- "I think we're seeing the consequences of treating e-scooters like toys instead of vehicles," he said.
- Plus, he said, there's no safety culture around e-scooters. "We basically put motor vehicles on sidewalks and expected everyone to figure it out for themselves."
The industry is responding with safety tips and other programs.
- Lime, a leading scooter company that contracts with Tampa and St. Petersburg, offers an in-person safety course for first-time riders and strongly encourages the use of helmets.