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Introduction <p>On 20 May 2024, the Irish government legalized e-scooter use on public roads under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, requiring users to be over 16&#xa0;years old and adhere to a 20&#xa0;km/h speed limit. With the rising popularity of e-scooters, this study examines the impact of this legislation on the incidence, clinical presentation, and management of maxillofacial injuries.</p> Aims <p>To compare the demographics, incidence rates, clinical presentation, injury patterns, and management of patients presenting to the National Maxillofacial Trauma Unit with e-scooter-related injuries before and after the legislative change.</p> Methods <p>A retrospective cohort study at St James’s Hospital analysed two 9-month periods: pre-legislation (May 2023–Feb 2024) and post-legislation (May 2024–Feb 2025). All patients presenting with e-scooter-related maxillofacial injuries were included. Data collected encompassed demographics, risk factors, injury details, head and non-maxillofacial injuries, admission details (length of stay, time to treatment), treatment methods, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis compared the two periods.</p> Results <p>The pre-legislation period included 22 patients with 26 injuries, while the post-legislation period had 28 patients with 36 injuries. E-scooter injuries increased from 1.7 to 2.3% of trauma presentations. Post-legislation, male patients increased from 59 to 71.4%, and non-Irish nationals from 41 to 46.4%. Injuries among Dublin residents rose from 45.5 to 75%. The mean age remained consistent (~ 33&#xa0;years), and patients under 16&#xa0;years decreased from 3 to 1. Helmet use dropped from 22.7 to 17.9%, while alcohol/substance involvement increased from 18.2 to 35.7%. Facial injuries rose from 26 to 36, with admission rates increasing from 31.2 to 35.7%. Surgical procedures increased from 9 to 13.</p> Conclusion <p>While the legislation may have reduced injuries among those under 16 and head trauma incidence, overall injury rates and surgical interventions continue to rise with growing e-scooter use. Ongoing surveillance and policy evaluation are essential for effective injury prevention strategies.</p>

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E-scooter-related maxillofacial injuries: outcome of recent legislation change

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月9日

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  • Min Seo Jung,
  • Eimear Mooney,
  • Fiachra Maher,
  • Gerard Kearns

摘要

Introduction

On 20 May 2024, the Irish government legalized e-scooter use on public roads under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, requiring users to be over 16 years old and adhere to a 20 km/h speed limit. With the rising popularity of e-scooters, this study examines the impact of this legislation on the incidence, clinical presentation, and management of maxillofacial injuries.

Aims

To compare the demographics, incidence rates, clinical presentation, injury patterns, and management of patients presenting to the National Maxillofacial Trauma Unit with e-scooter-related injuries before and after the legislative change.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study at St James’s Hospital analysed two 9-month periods: pre-legislation (May 2023–Feb 2024) and post-legislation (May 2024–Feb 2025). All patients presenting with e-scooter-related maxillofacial injuries were included. Data collected encompassed demographics, risk factors, injury details, head and non-maxillofacial injuries, admission details (length of stay, time to treatment), treatment methods, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis compared the two periods.

Results

The pre-legislation period included 22 patients with 26 injuries, while the post-legislation period had 28 patients with 36 injuries. E-scooter injuries increased from 1.7 to 2.3% of trauma presentations. Post-legislation, male patients increased from 59 to 71.4%, and non-Irish nationals from 41 to 46.4%. Injuries among Dublin residents rose from 45.5 to 75%. The mean age remained consistent (~ 33 years), and patients under 16 years decreased from 3 to 1. Helmet use dropped from 22.7 to 17.9%, while alcohol/substance involvement increased from 18.2 to 35.7%. Facial injuries rose from 26 to 36, with admission rates increasing from 31.2 to 35.7%. Surgical procedures increased from 9 to 13.

Conclusion

While the legislation may have reduced injuries among those under 16 and head trauma incidence, overall injury rates and surgical interventions continue to rise with growing e-scooter use. Ongoing surveillance and policy evaluation are essential for effective injury prevention strategies.