According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), 81,000 visits were made to hospital emergency rooms in 2017 for injuries related to scooters. The Bird scooter company arrived in Atlanta, Decatur and Athens as well as on the Georgia Tech campus in early May of this year and already, we have seen a number of injured riders at our clinics.

Dr. Ferrara gives these tips for scooter safety while riding this type of scooter.

• Scooters can be dangerous when they are ridden at fast speeds or around traffic. They can be dangerous not ONLY for the rider, but for those around the scooter such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars.
• Scooters are not for children under 8 years of age.
• Take the time to inspect the scooter before riding. Make sure there are no loose parts. Ensure that the steering column and handlebars are locked into place.
• Learn to ride your scooter first before taking it to a populated area. Practice riding in a safe, open area.
• Learn how to steer properly. Practice using the brakes.
• Wear protective gear such as a helmet, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads.
• Wear sneakers.  Do not ride barefoot or in flip-flops if you value your toes
• Avoid riding in dangerous settings. Do not ride in the street.  Use the bike lane when available.
• Do not ride on slippery or uneven ground.  Avoid crowded sidewalks or streets.  Do not ride downhill on steep hills.
• Wear brightly colored clothing and avoid riding at dusk or at night.
• Remember, scooters are just another mode of mass transit. Treat them as such, and not as a tool to do jumps, tricks, or stunts.

Electric scooters are a fun, economical, environmentally-friendly option for local transportation whether you own one or use the Bird app to share them. Safety while riding is an important aspect of the experience.

If you find yourself injured, we are here for you 7 days per week.  Urgent Care at Peachtree is open Monday – Friday 9 am – 10:30 pm and on weekends from 10 am – 10:30 pm.  Urgent Care at Druid Hills is open Monday – Thursday 9 am – 10:30 pm, 9 am – 8 pm on Friday and weekends from 10 am – 6 pm.