HOME & DESIGN Micromobility Injuries On The Rise

E-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards have grown in popularity among Americans in recent years, as a way to get to and from work or school, or for fun. A new report recently released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds that emergency room (ER)-treated injuries and deaths with these products are also increasing.

From 2017 to 2021, injuries spiked 127 percent to 77,200 for micromobility devices, and the number of deaths rose from 5 to 48. E-scooters had the highest percentage increase in injuries and accounted for 68 deaths in the same time period. Consumerowned e-scooters accounted for most ER visits (56 percent), but incidents involving rental e-scooter were not far behind (44 percent).

The top hazards in fatalities were incidents with motor vehicles and user-control issues, followed by fires. CPSC recommends these tips to prevent fires with these devices:

• Always be present when charging devices using lithium-ion batteries. Never charge them while sleeping.

• Only use the charger that came with your device.

• Only use an approved replacement battery pack.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper charging, and unplug the device when done.

This home at 146 Radcliff Dr. in East Norwich that sold on Jan. 19 for $560,000 is perfect for investors who are ready to give this home a little TLC. This lovely cape-style home is large enough for a growing family and has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has hardwood floors throughout and has a cedar closet in the upstairs bedroom. This home is on a large piece of property and has plenty of room for a backyard barbecue. It has a quaint patio off the back door. The single car garage has plenty of space. This home is located in the Oyster Bay School District.

• Never use an e-mobility device with a battery pack that has been modified/reworked by unqualified personnel or with re-purposed or used cells

• Never throw lithium batteries into the trash or general recycling. Take them to your local hazardous waste collection center. Because collisions with motor vehicles and user-control issues are the most common hazards, CPSC urges consumers to:

• Always wear a bicycle helmet.

• Before riding, make sure to check for any damage, which includes examining the handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables and frame.

• See and be seen. Most deaths involve motor vehicles.

• Expect vehicle drivers and pedestrians not to see you; slow down and stay aware of your surroundings.

• Use the bell/horn to alert others.

• Do not make abrupt, unpredictable movements.

• Beware of obstacles. .

• Always keep both hands on the handlebars.

• Slow down and lean back when you have to ride over bumps.

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Only one person per e-scooter.

• Follow all manufacturer directions.

• Report safety incidents or concerns with consumer products to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov. Visit www.cpsc.gov to sign up for product recall information.

—U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Homes shown here represent closed sales, sold by a variety of agencies and are selected for their interest to readers by the Anton Media Group editor. Except where noted, data and photos are provided courtesy of Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. and Zillow.