Electric scooter 'king of injuries' in Rīga, says doctor

Take note – story published 1 year ago

With warmer weather, there are more cyclists, users of electric scooters, and other small vehicles on the streets. The chief doctor of the hospital for trauma and orthopedics, Uģis Zariņš, told Latvian Television June 8 that this is a time when the number of injuries is also increasing.

“The king of injuries in Rīga is the electric scooter,” said Uģis Zariņš.

Patients with very serious injuries come to the hospital every week. Afterward, they require long-term treatment and rehabilitation.

Zariņš said that some of the most irresponsible drivers are parents with children on a scooter. Children need knee and elbow guards, and helmets. In an accident, adults can fall on top of the child and injure them.

Bicycles, roller skates, holiday activities, garden activities, sawing, and chopping often result in injuries, and warm weather also correlates with injuries, the doctor said, adding that safety rules are often overlooked.

Last year, hundreds of accidents were recorded involving scooters. 199 people were injured and one died. The regulations about driving these vehicles are also rather blurry and the Rīga City Council is currently discussing tightening the rules.

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