LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. — As e-scooters, e-bikes and other micromobility options continue to grow in popularity along the Oregon Coast, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging riders in Lincoln County and across the state to take extra safety precautions.

New OHA analysis of hospital and emergency department data shows e-scooter-related injuries more than doubled between 2021 and 2025 as use expanded statewide. While Lincoln County-specific figures are not broken out in the report (common for smaller jurisdictions due to low case volumes), the trends apply to all Oregon communities, including Lincoln City, Newport, Depoe Bay, Waldport, Yachats, Toledo, Siletz and beyond.

What the data shows (statewide):

• 2021: 211 e-scooter injuries
• 2022: 269 injuries
• 2023: 326 injuries
• 2024: 418 injuries
• 2025 (Jan.–Sept.): 509 injuries

“These injuries are not minor scrapes,” said Dagan Wright, Ph.D., senior injury epidemiologist with OHA’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program. “They often involve head injuries, broken bones and other serious trauma that requires emergency or inpatient care.”

E-scooter codes are relatively new in healthcare reporting, so 2021–2025 offers the clearest trend. E-bike injuries raise many of the same concerns: higher speeds than traditional bikes, mixed traffic on roads like U.S. 101, and riders of all ages and experience levels.

Fatalities also rising statewide

OHA reviewed death rHealthecords (2018–2025, preliminary) and identified 17 deaths linked to e-scooters or motorized scooters:

• 12 involved collisions with motor vehicles
• 5 did not involve other vehicles
• 59% of those who died were over age 50
• 7 of the 17 deaths (41%) occurred in 2025 alone

“Injuries involving e-bikes and e-scooters share common risk factors—speed, lack of helmet use, roadway design and interactions with motor vehicles,” Wright said. “As micromobility options grow, so does the need for transportation infrastructure, riders, drivers and communities to focus on safety.”

Lincoln County’s scenic but sometimes narrow, winding, and weather-variable roads (fog, rain, ice, heavy tourist traffic) amplify these risks. Riders here should be especially vigilant near beaches, state parks, and Highway 101 corridors.

Safety tips from OHA (and echoed by local riders):

• Wear a properly fitted helmet every time.
• Follow traffic laws and posted speed limits (many devices top out at ~17–20 mph — fast enough to cause serious harm).
• Ride where permitted; avoid sidewalks when prohibited.
• Stay alert — no distractions (phones, earbuds).
• Use lights and reflective gear, especially at night or in low visibility.
• Take extra caution around motor vehicle traffic and watch for potholes, gravel, or ice.

One Portland-area rider who knows the risks firsthand: Daniel Pflieger, who bruised several ribs after sliding on ice while commuting on a scooter. His advice: “Wear a helmet. Pay attention to your surroundings. A lot of drivers are not paying attention. I wear a second light. Really pay attention and ride at a comfortable speed.”

OHA will continue monitoring trends and partnering on safer riding conditions. Lincoln County residents can report concerns to local police departments (Lincoln City PD, Newport PD, etc.) or check road conditions via ODOT TripCheck.

Learn more about injury data in Oregon: OHA Injury Prevention Data Dashboard or contact OHA’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program.

The Oregon Health Authority works to improve the health and well-being of all Oregonians through equitable, affordable health care and safe environments statewide.