First-Ever Quantification of E-Scooter Injury Costs in Irish Hospitals
A groundbreaking study in Ireland quantifies the substantial costs of e-scooter injuries on hospitals, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and legislation to reduce the financial burden on the healthcare system.
Recent research has shed light on the significant financial impact of e-scooter injuries on Irish healthcare services. In Ireland, patients injured while riding e-scooters incur an average treatment cost of €1,726 each. When considering a single hospital's experience in 2023, the total expenditure for managing these injuries reached €128,650. The study analyzed data from 76 patients who presented with injuries from e-scooter accidents, revealing that most injuries were musculoskeletal, often requiring complex surgical interventions. Orthopedic follow-ups and hospital admissions were common, with 13 patients needing inpatient orthopedic care and 34 requiring outpatient follow-up. Head injuries also occurred but rarely necessitated intensive care or resulted in fatalities.
The detailed financial breakdown indicated that emergency department attendances cost €35,264, outpatient follow-up totaled €17,380, and hospital admissions amounted to €75,600. Dr. Thomas Suttie, a senior house officer in emergency medicine at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, highlighted the staggering costs and the growing burden these injuries place on the healthcare system. His team’s data suggests that these costs are likely to increase in other hospitals, especially those in Dublin's city center, where injury rates appear higher.
The research underscores the urgent need for policy changes, including enforcing helmet use and ensuring e-scooter legislation is followed. Such measures could reduce injury severity and associated costs. Additionally, a related study observed that recent legislative changes allowing e-scooter use on roads, with restrictions on age and speed, saw a decline in injuries among under-16s but an overall increase in injury rates, with more incidents involving alcohol and substances. Experts like Dr. Felix Lorang from Germany warn that rising e-scooter usage will continue to strain emergency services across Europe. The findings advocate for improved safety regulations and public health measures to mitigate the economic and medical impact of e-scooter-related injuries.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-staggering-scooter-injuries-quantified-hospitals.html
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