FAQs
Where can I download the raw data featured in the Data Explorer?
You can download the e-scooter data here: Download the database
You can download the e-bike data here: Download the database
How often are the data updated?
The data are updated approximately every three months. The e-scooter data are current as of June 30, 2024. The e-bike data are current as of March 31, 2023.
How did you identify the e-scooter fatalities?
Publicly available data relating to reported e-scooter fatalities was obtained through a Google search using the search phrase “e-scooter crashes.” Each piece of media would be read in its entirety to identify if it met the criteria for this database and verified through more than one media outlet. If the team was not able to verify the reported e-scooter crash information, then the information was excluded from the database. Google news alerts were employed to maintain a comprehensive search, and the excel database was updated every three months. The crashes were checked in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database, however, data input into this system is delayed considerably and must meet a very specific definition to be included. Thus, many e-scooter crashes from this database were not captured in the FARS database.
Someone recently died in my community while operating an e-scooter, but I don’t see the event captured in your data system. What should I do?
We recognize that there are gaps in our data system. We operate a passive surveillance system in which we identify new cases through searching public media reports. We recognize that we are biased toward capturing events reported 1) in the United States, 2) in major national and international news sources, and 3) in English language publications. You can help improve our data system by reporting events using our online reporting form.
Are you capturing fatalities involving micromobility devices other than standing e-scooters?
As of June 2022, we are collecting data only for fatalities involving standing e-scooters; however, we are considering expanding our scope to include fatalities involving e-bikes and other light electric vehicles. If you would like to report a fatality involving these devices, please do so.
How should I cite your website? What about the raw data?
Our suggested citation for our website is the following:
University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. (2023, October). Micromodes.org. https://www.micromodes.org/
Database citation:
Vann, M., Harmon, K. J. (2024, March 31). List of e-scooter fatalities, 2016 – June 2024 [Dataset]. University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center.
https://www.micromodes.org/
If I have other questions or comments, who should I notify?
Please email info@micromodes.org with any questions or comments.
