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E-scooter riders risk broken bones, brain injuries, a new study suggests

The news comes as DDOT has approved the addition of another 700 dockless e-scooters and bikes on our streets.

WASHINGTON --  New data suggests that riders of those electric scooters you see all over D.C. face a pretty good chance of getting hurt.

A new study by the public health department in Austin, Texas analyzed dockless, electric scooter crashes after emergency room doctors started seeing a spike in injuries. Researchers found the study "likely underestimates the prevalence of e-scooter related injuries," finding that 190 crashes happened over a three-month period. 

"Helmet use might also reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of an e-scooter crash," researchers said. They found traumatic brain injuries made up 15 percent of severe injuries.  

The news comes as DDOT has approved the addition of another 700 dockless e-scooters and bikes on our streets. 

RELATED: The DC scooter speed limit is going up

Five companies operate electric scooters in The District. Lyft scooters warn riders to wear a helmet. The company does dole them out for free, but only at one location in Arlington. 

You can read the full study here.

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