Head and neck injuries from personal motorised vehicles in the United States

Background: The use of personal electric vehicles in the United States has increased head and neck injuries. This study analyses the types, frequencies, demographics and management of these injuries across motorised vehicles.

Methods: This study uses 2020-2023 data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to analyse injuries from various powered vehicles, incorporating diagnostic, event-related and demographic factors. In addition, the study evaluates non-powered skateboard-related injuries, which provided a comparable baseline for motorised vehicle injuries.

Results: Our analysis included 3721 head and neck injuries: 1359 from scooters, 1743 from skateboards and 619 from hoverboards. Males sustained most injuries, accounting for 64% of scooter accidents, 74% of skateboard accidents and 58% of hoverboard accidents. Hospitalisation was required in 10% of scooter accidents, 9.2% of skateboard accidents and 6.9% of hoverboard accidents. Males, alcohol use and drug use were associated with increased risk of hospitalisation (p=0.00002, p=0.00004 and p<0.00001, respectively). Internal injury (37%) and lacerations (24%) were the most common types of injury. In cases, wear helmets were worn involving helmets, there were no significant differences in hospitalisation rates.

Discussion: These findings underscore the need for improved injury prevention strategies, including more effective helmet designs and infrastructure enhancements, to reduce the growing burden of micromobility vehicle-related head and neck injuries.

Conclusion: The rising incidence of head and neck injuries associated with personal mobility vehicles highlights the need for injury management and prevention strategies. Helmets may mitigate head and neck injuries associated with motorised scooters, skateboards and hoverboards.