Statistics reveal spike in scooter-related injuries in major cities

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Startling new statistics were released Friday that could make Charlotte scooter riders rethink how they get around uptown.

A new Washington Post report says injuries from scooter crashes are spiking across the country.

It’s concerning because thousands of people ride them around Charlotte. In the month of July alone, people rode electric scooters more than 100,000 times in the Queen City.

[New electric dockless scooters unveiled in uptown Charlotte]

They're wildly popular, but doctors in emergency rooms across the country say a lot of riders are getting seriously hurt. In some cases, they’ve suffered broken bones and even brain trauma.

The Washington Post interviewed doctors in seven cities because there is not any national data on scooter injuries yet. Former engineers told the paper that people are getting hurt because many scooter fleets are poorly maintained, so occasionally the brakes won't work, or the accelerator will stick.

The three major scooter companies -- Bird, Lime and Skip -- responded to the report, saying their labels on the scooters and their apps have basic safety and training information.

[Cam Newton spotted helmetless on scooter in uptown traffic before MNF]

[Charlotte rental scooter used during car break-in]

This week, a man in Dallas, Texas was killed when he fell off his scooter.

City Councilman Larken Egleston told Channel 9 last week he worries it's only a matter of time until someone gets killed in Charlotte, too.

[Councilman worried about dockless scooter safety: 'Someone will die']

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are starting to gather information now about scooter injuries and complaints in the Queen City. Officers will hand that information over to city council so they can figure out how to regulate the scooters.

[LINK: Bird scooters privacy act]

[LINK: Lime scooter privacy act]

Channel 9 is reaching out to Charlotte-area hospitals to see whether they're seeing an increase in scooter-related injuries as well, and will have more on Eyewitness News at 5.

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