Indiana University leaders say at least 50 students have gone to the Bloomington campus’ health center for electric scooter-related injuries since October.
Companies Bird and Lime dropped hundreds of scooters in Bloomington earlier this fall. IU implemented some new rules in response, which dictate where students can leave the scooters and what should happen when there’s an accident.
But, dozens of students have still sustained injuries as a result of using the new mode of transportation.
Medical Director of the IU Health Center Dr. Beth Rupp says many of them go unreported, and the type of injuries vary.
Read More: Late Night Host Seth Meyers Got Hurt Falling Off Of A Scooter In Indianapolis
"Some of the injuries are as minor as abrasions on the skin," Dr. Rupp says. "We’ve seen several forearm fractures, lots of ankle and foot injuries. We’ve had a couple of people with concussions."
That number does not include patients that make an online appointment or call the facility’s schedulers.
And the campus health center isn’t the only place students may seek treatment. Rupp says IU Health Bloomington has done several surgical fracture repairs as a result of riding incidents.
Read More: Bloomington Trash Truck Fire Likely Caused By Lime Scooter Battery
Rupp says she would prefer students don’t ride the scooters. But, if they do, she says they should wear helmets, obey all traffic laws, and avoid riding scooters altogether after alcohol consumption.
The City of Bloomington reached a temporary agreement allowing the scooter companies to operate while the council works on passing permanent rules. Among other things, it stipulates the companies must provide education for riders and the general public about proper scooter use.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story listed Dr. Beth Rupp's title as 'IU Health Medical Director.' It has been updated with the correct title: 'Medical Director of the IU Health Center.'