RT Journal Article
T1 The epidemiology of electric scooter-related injuries in Malaga: effects of shifting from sidewalks to streets under new traffic regulations
A1 Melgar Núñez, Juan
A1 González-Quevedo, David
A1 Guerado-Parra, Enrique
A1 Pérez Lara, Almudena Ester
A1 García-de-Quevedo-Puerta, David
A1 Tamimi-Mariño, Iskandar Ahmad
K1 Accidentes de tráfico
K1 Seguridad vial
K1 Traumatismos
K1 Lesiones y heridas
AB ObjectivesTo analyze injuries associated with electric scooter use in Malaga and assess the impact of recent traffic regulations, specifically the shift of electric scooters from sidewalks to streets with a speed limit of 25 km/h.MethodsRetrospective descriptive study of patients attending the emergency department of the Regional University Hospital of Malaga due to electric scooter injuries between January 2018 and December 2022. The study cohort was divided into pre- and post-regulation periods, using January 2021 as the index date.ResultsA total of 404 patients were included. Most injuries affected the upper extremities, head and neck, face, and lower extremities. After the regulation, pedestrian collisions decreased (10.9 % → 5.2 %; p = 0.039), while collisions with cars increased (8.8 % → 18 %; p = 0.016). Injury severity and fracture locations remained similar before and after the regulation. Alcohol consumption and nighttime riding were associated with higher odds of moderate to severe injuries.ConclusionsThe number of electric scooter-related accidents has increased over the years. Shifting electric scooters from sidewalks to streets reduces pedestrian collisions but increases exposure to motor vehicles, highlighting a key policy trade-off. Most injuries involve the head and facial bones, supporting helmet use. These findings provide evidence to inform future preventive measures and regulatory strategies.
PB Elsevier
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/40832
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/40832
LA eng
NO Melgar Núñez, J., González-Quevedo, D., Guerado, E., Pérez Lara, A., García de Quevedo, D., & Tamimi, I. (2026). The epidemiology of electric scooter-related injuries in Malaga: Effects of shifting from sidewalks to streets under new traffic regulations. Journal of Transport & Health, 46, 102208. 10.1016/j.jth.2025.102208
NO Disponible online desde el 18 de noviembre de 2025
NO Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA
DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga
RD 21 ene 2026