ORCID

Abstract

Sir, we read with interest the recent article regarding the prevalence of e-scooter related injuries that presented to the oral and maxillofacial surgical team in New Zealand by Smit et al. The article has highlighted the increasing problem in e-scooter related accidents currently especially in this modern day and age.We work in the South West region of the United Kingdom at a level 1 major trauma centre. Our experience is that we have had 13 e-scooter related injuries present at the Accident and Emergency department in the last 5 years since 2016. This is a growing problem and has the potential to cause an impact on the cost-effectiveness and resources allocated by the National Health Service.The current national guidelines regarding e-scooter use in the United Kingdom is that they are only allowed for personal use on private land. It is still illegal to use them on public roads and spaces allocated for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders. The government, however, is currently running a series of e-scooter trials in about 32 counties. These are only allowed at a maximum speed of 15.5mph and one must have a category Q entitlement on their driving license to be allowed to rent one.E-scooters should also be insured by the rental operator, however they do not need to be registered or pay vehicle excise duty. A cycle helmet and fluorescent clothing are recommended, however, this is currently not a legal requirement. They should also only be used by one person at a time, not be used to tow anything, and should not have anything hanging on the handlebars. Mobile phones are not allowed to be used during the use of an e-scooter, and any navigation information should be set up prior to setting off. One must also not ride an e-scooter while intoxicated or drunk as they can be prosecuted under drinking or drug driving laws which is a punishable offence. We believe that extra caution and care should be taken into consideration with clear-cut recommendations to ensure the safety of the growing sport and vehicle use of e-scooters before their approval for public use as there is a potential to cause a financial strain on the provision of healthcare services.

DOI

10.1016/j.bjoms.2021.06.012

Publication Date

2021-01-01

Publication Title

British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Volume

59

Issue

10

ISSN

0266-4356

Embargo Period

2023-08-24

First Page

1326

Last Page

1327

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