Fact Check: "The Finnish authorities estimate that around 1,600 people are seriously injured annually in accidents involving e-scooters."
What We Know
The claim that Finnish authorities estimate around 1,600 serious injuries annually from e-scooter accidents appears to stem from a recent report. According to Reuters, Finnish authorities have indeed made this estimate. However, this figure is not universally supported by all studies on e-scooter injuries in Finland. For instance, a study conducted in Helsinki reported a total of 446 e-scooter injuries in 2021, with only 30 classified as serious (7% of the total) (Vasara et al.). Another study covering a broader timeframe from 2019 to 2021 also noted a significant number of injuries but did not corroborate the 1,600 figure (Reito et al.).
Analysis
The claim of 1,600 serious injuries annually is problematic when examined against the available data. The study by Vasara et al. indicates that in 2021, there were only 30 serious injuries among 446 total e-scooter-related injuries in Helsinki, which is a much smaller number than the claim suggests. This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of the 1,600 figure.
Moreover, while the Reuters article cites a Finnish authority, it does not provide specific details about the methodology or data sources used to arrive at this estimate. The lack of transparency regarding how the figure was calculated diminishes its credibility. In contrast, the studies published in peer-reviewed journals, such as those by Vasara et al. and Reito et al., provide detailed methodologies and data analyses, making them more reliable sources for understanding the scope of e-scooter injuries in Finland.
Additionally, the studies indicate that while there is a growing concern over e-scooter injuries, the actual number of serious injuries is significantly lower than the claim suggests. The studies emphasize the need for preventive measures and safety regulations, but they do not support the assertion of 1,600 serious injuries annually.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that Finnish authorities estimate around 1,600 people are seriously injured annually in e-scooter accidents is not substantiated by credible data. The available studies indicate a much lower number of serious injuries, specifically 30 in a single year in Helsinki, which contradicts the claim. The discrepancy highlights the importance of relying on peer-reviewed research for accurate information regarding public health and safety statistics.
Sources
- Characteristics and costs of electric scooter injuries in Helsinki: a retrospective cohort study. Link
- Incidence of Electric Scooter–Associated Injuries in Finland From 2019 to 2021. Link
- Finnish authorities estimate that around 1,600 people are seriously injured annually in accidents involving e-scooters. Link
