E-scooter riders have a higher risk of many serious injuries than cyclists or motorbike riders, new research has shown.

Scientists looked at medical reports from 18 cities in England and Wales. The data showed that e-scooter riders had a 3.5 times higher risk of a serious brain injury and 3.2 times higher risk of damaging veins or arteries compared to motorcyclists. The risks were still higher compared to cyclists, although not by as much.

One of the main reasons for the increased risk is that hardly any of the e-scooter riders were wearing a helmet. Only 5.9% (less than 6 in 100) had one on, compared to 75.7% of the motorcyclists and 45% of cyclists.

The report also says that the design of e-scooters means that riders are much more likely to go flying head-first over the handlebars if they do crash.

The study in Scientific Reports says that other factors of e-scooter design play a part, such as the lack of suspension, and small wheels that don’t provide much grip on wet or uneven surfaces.

The figures showed that children are more likely to get serious injuries to the abdomen (belly), as these are closer to the handlebars than for adults. The scientists say grips that bend in a collision are safer and could prevent many injuries.

One slight bit of good news for e-scooter owners is that if you do crash, you’re slightly less likely to break any bones than someone who comes off their motorbike or bicycle.