E-Scooter Injuries Surge, Costing Irish Hospitals Millions Annually

The rising popularity of e-scooters is leading to significant financial burdens for hospitals in Ireland, as new research indicates that injuries related to these vehicles are costing healthcare systems upward of $150,867 USD (€128,650) annually at a single suburban hospital. During the European Emergency Medicine Congress, researchers revealed that the average cost of treating e-scooter injuries in Irish hospitals is approximately $2,024 USD (€1,726) per patient.

In 2023, Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown treated 76 patients for e-scooter injuries, with a predominant number suffering from complex musculoskeletal injuries that often required major surgical intervention. According to Thomas Suttie, a senior house officer in emergency medicine at the hospital, the number of patients presenting with these injuries has tripled since 2021.

Financial Impact on Healthcare Systems

Suttie explained that the hospital’s financial analysis included costs incurred from emergency room visits, acute care admissions, radiology services, surgeries, and outpatient follow-ups. The expenses associated with outpatient care and hospital admissions alone accounted for significant portions of the total costs, with emergency department visits totaling $41,356 USD (€35,264) and hospital admission costs reaching $88,660 USD (€75,600).

“It is important to note that our hospital is located in a suburban area, where we do not see the highest frequency of e-scooter injuries,” Suttie said. He emphasized that hospitals in Dublin’s city center likely face even greater costs due to the higher volume of e-scooter riders and associated accidents.

While injuries primarily involved musculoskeletal trauma, Suttie noted an increasing prevalence of head injuries. Although these cases did not require intensive medical intervention, the lack of helmet use remains a concern. In a related study, only 8% of e-scooter riders were reported to wear helmets, indicating a significant gap in safety practices.

Comparative Analysis with U.S. Healthcare Costs

The situation in Ireland could mirror challenges faced by healthcare systems in the United States, where direct billing to patients or insurance companies is the norm. According to a study published earlier this year, hospital charges for e-scooter injuries in Denver, Colorado, reached as high as $23,000 USD, with a median cost of $4,871 USD for daytime incidents. This disparity highlights the potential for substantial out-of-pocket expenses for patients and increased premiums for insurers in the U.S.

As e-scooter usage continues to grow, Suttie advocates for the implementation of stronger public health policies and updated legislation. He suggests that mandatory helmet laws and stricter enforcement of e-scooter regulations could alleviate some of the injury burdens on healthcare systems. The financial implications are significant, particularly for Ireland’s public hospitals, which absorb costs directly, further straining an already overburdened healthcare system.

The findings presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and increased awareness among riders. As cities worldwide grapple with the integration of micromobility solutions, the health and safety of users must remain a priority.