Report: 95% of e-scooter injury victims in Armenia are riders

Nearly all people injured in electric scooter-related traffic incidents in Armenia were the riders themselves, according to data released by the Heratsi Analytical Center on Thursday.

The center monitored cases from 2022 to 2025 involving patients treated at Yerevan State Medical University’s Heratsi No. 1 University Hospital Complex for injuries sustained while riding electric scooters. During that period, 171 people sought medical care for scooter-related injuries, with most cases recorded during peak summer tourist months.

According to the findings, 95% of the injured were scooter operators, while pedestrians accounted for 5%. All injured patients were adults. About 68% were between 18 and 30 years old, while 32% were 30 or older. Most of the injured were male.

Doctors reported that 24% of patients sustained fractures, while 76% suffered injuries of varying severity without fractures.

The number of injured patients declined steadily over the four-year period, from 69 cases in 2022 to 45 in 2023, 33 in 2024 and 24 in 2025. Researchers cautioned, however, that the data reflect only one hospital and cannot be considered a nationwide trend.

Experts suggest the decline may be linked to recent legislative changes and improved compliance with traffic rules. Armenian law allows electric scooter use by people aged 18 and older, or by those 16 and older who hold an AM-category driving license. Scooters are permitted on bicycle lanes, pedestrian paths and designated cycling zones. Where these are unavailable, riders may use sidewalks or road shoulders, and as a last resort, the right side of the roadway.

Helmet use is mandatory and riders must not exceed speeds of 20 kilometers per hour or face administrative penalties. Scooters are also required to meet technical standards.

Similar safety concerns have led to stricter regulations in other countries. Many European cities restrict scooter use in public transport zones, tourist areas and certain roads, often requiring helmets, licenses and insurance. In New York City, scooters are banned in specific areas for safety reasons, while Paris banned electric scooter rentals beginning in September 2024 following a public referendum.

The Heratsi Center emphasized that the statistics should not reduce public vigilance but instead serve as a reminder of the importance of safety measures, age restrictions and protective equipment, especially during winter conditions involving snow and icy roads.