A top doctor warns there has been a "significant spikes" in scooter injuries after the high-speed Lime scooters were introduced to New Zealand.
The scooters have been available to use in Auckland and Christchurch since October 14, but A&E physician Dr John Bonning warned they've come at a cost.
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He told RadioLIVE hospitals have been seeing several victims a day with "not insignificant injuries", putting additional stress on emergency departments.
"We're seeing abrasions, grazes, also fractured collarbones, fractured patellas, broken elbows, wrists," he says.
"People are requiring surgery, admission to hospital, concussions, fractured ribs, broken teeth - all things that have a significant impact and cost."
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) figures show there have been 38 injuries since the Lime e-scooters appeared in Auckland and Christchurch two weeks ago on October 15.
ACC says the injuries range from lacerations to fracture and concussion - the latter considered a Traumatic Brain Injury by the Ministry of Health.
Dr Andrea Shepperson is clinical director at Lumino, and said use of electric scooters on footpaths is "fraught with potential for injury".
She said one patient was seen by doctors for a concussion before being referred to her for further treatment for her front teeth.
Dr Shepperson said the patient "hit the pavement with her face" after swerving to avoid an elderly couple.
"Her front tooth was knocked into her gum," she said. "We did some repositioning of the tooth, but couldn't get it back into its proper position.
The scooters come with a top speed of 27km/h, and Dr Bonning warns they aren't toys.
"I think people are underestimating the power of these scooters," he told RadioLIVE.
"They're motorised vehicles and people need to be a bit more serious about them."
Newshub.
