x
Breaking News
More () »

Unique study on dockless scooter related injuries happening in Austin

The CDC will work with Austin city leaders to analyze EMS calls and injuries related to dockless scooters that happened between September and November.

AUSTIN — By now, it's pretty typical to see dockless scooters everywhere on the streets of Austin. Many see it as a fun and easy way to get around, but some of that can come with a cost.

Over the last few months, there have been multiple injuries related to the dockless scooters. As of now, there are more than 9,000 scooters throughout Austin.

According to our partners at the Austin American-Statesman, the study involves three epidemiologists with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They'll work with city leaders on analyzing 37 EMS calls and 68 injuries related to the dockless scooters that happened from September to November.

It's something Austinites say is much needed.

"I think a study would just be crucial to see," said Jason Spulveda, who was visiting Austin.

EMS agrees. Josh Todd, a commander with Austin-Travis County EMS, said he's been on multiple calls related to the scooters.

RELATED:

Federal health experts to study Austin scooter crashes

Scooter craze continues to grow in Austin

"We've seen everything from minor aches and sprains and muscular-skeletal injuries, all the way up to very serious head injuries and inner cranial bleeding," said Todd.

He said this study is critical.

"It's very very important that we study those things and ensure that we are educating appropriately, training people," said Todd.

"We're probably kidding ourselves if we think that we can't get injured on them," said Austin resident Rachel Campbell.

The CDC will be sending questionnaires to people that were hurt while riding the scooters soon.

RELATED:

Lyft joins the scooter craze in Austin, deploys 500 scooters

Texas Capitol staffers frustrated with dockless scooters

Dockless scooter company Lime gets in trouble with City of Austin for breaking rule

Before You Leave, Check This Out