Emergency service departments across the Denver area reported treating some 4,400 e-scooter related injuries over the past five years and are seeing those numbers rise, according to a new study released by a Denver law firm.

From 2019 to 2024, area emergency departments treated a combined 4,398 “shared-scooter” injuries, with head injuries having been recorded in 58% of the cases.

The report was released Tuesday by personal injury lawyer Dianne Sawaya.

“As e-scooters continue to grow in popularity throughout Denver, so have serious injuries associated with their use,” Sawaya said in a statement to The Denver Gazette.

“Riders, pedestrians, and even motorists face increasing risks due to roadway hazards, malfunctioning scooters, inadequate maintenance, and collisions involving distracted or inexperienced riders,” she added.

According to the study, the largest share of emergency room visits involved riders aged 25-to-34. E-scooter related Injuries involving youths aged 1 to 17 were on the increase, from 4.3% of incidents in 2019 to 8.1% in 2024, the study added.

Warning to parents

Earlier in the week, The Denver Gazette reported that area police were warning parents about the dangers of electric bikes and dirt bikes at a moment when scooters and e-bikes are likely to be on Christmas lists of their kids and grandchildren.

Local authorities have been reporting increases in incidents involving minors improperly operating e-bikes on public roads, sidewalks, and at businesses. “We’re seeing more e-dirt bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motorcycles in our community,” Lone Tree Police Lt. Joe Deland had told The Gazette.

“Used in the wrong places, they pose a serious risk of injury or accident to riders, pedestrians, and motorists, Deland added. “We’re asking parents to get informed before they buy for their children, especially for the upcoming holiday season.”

Sawaya’s law firm said that increases in accidents involving e-scooters were likely the result of increases in the total number of rides. Overall injury-per-ride rates have declined slightly since 2019, according to data.

The study added that nighttime and weekend riding accounted for the most severe injuries, and that they often involve alcohol. A lack of protective headgear appeared to factor in, as well, with use of helmets reported as low.

Rider inexperience was also a contributing factor, the report said.

The report also cited urban infrastructure as affecting accident rates. “Denver’s mix of traffic, scooters, pedestrians, and bikes, along with uneven pavement or potholes, creates conditions that increase fall-related injuries,” the study stated.

Micromobility

The report comes at a time when e-scooter use is being bolstered by scooter rental operations and by government-affiliated business districts encouraging their availability to facilitate commuter “micromobility.”

According to reports, the city of Denver offers e-bike rebates through a combination of city vouchers and a state tax credit for income-qualified residents. The state of Colorado reportedly offers a $450 e-bike tax credit for purchases via participating retailers.

Meanwhile, The Denver Gazette earlier reported that cities of Greenwood Village and Centennial, working with the economic development organization Denver South, are subsidizing e-scooter and e-bike rentals at Light Rail stations in their I-25 service areas.

Riders can download an app, pick up an e-bike or a scooter at a station, and ride to commuter or entertainment destinations within designated areas while paying only a one-dollar unlock fee for the vehicle. Trips have to be finished in 30 minutes and the devices have to be dropped off at designated points.

Program sponsors report that the initial offering was proving popular, including with concertgoers attending Fiddler’s Green events, and that the fleet of available scooters and bikes was being increased.

In response to the dangers, some jurisdictions pointed to safety and education as top priorities.

“As we head into the holiday season, we understand the excitement that comes with young people receiving new e-bikes,” Lakewood Police Department spokesperson Danny Prien said.

Headgear needed

“Most importantly,” he said, “we strongly emphasize the use of appropriate safety equipment, including a properly fitted helmet.”

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office officials said their main concern surrounds education of e-bikes, especially in a county full of open space and trails.

“I’m concerned about the rise in kids riding e-bikes and electric dirt bikes on our public roadways,” Sheriff Darren Weekly said. “These machines may look like toys, but they are powerful and can be extremely dangerous in inexperienced hands.”

“Our goal isn’t to take the fun out of riding,” Weekly added. “It’s to prevent another tragedy and make sure families have the information they need to make safe, informed decisions.”

The Sawaya report was compiled in part with data from the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Campus, and a report by the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment.

In her statement, Sawaya added that liability in cases involving e-scooters can be complex and “may involve riders, drivers, scooter companies, or even the city, depending on the circumstances.”

Denver Gazette Reporter Noah Festenstein contributed to this report.