Several riders getting hurt using Bird scooters in Downtown Detroit, Ann Arbor

Doctors say many people have fallen off scooters

DETROIT – Hundreds of Bird scooters have popped up in Downtown Detroit and Ann Arbor. The company touts the scooters as the fast and affordable way to get around, but Local 4 has learned of potential dangers for riders.

Many people riding the scooters are ending up in emergency rooms, with doctors treating many who have taken a hard fall.

The scooters go up to 15 mph, but riding them on Michigan roads and sidewalks isn't always a smooth ride.

What started as a quick commute on a scooter ended up with a trip to an emergency room for John McGomery, who broke his jaw and wrist and has hearing damage.

McGomery said he was launched from the scooter.

Mike Ruzycki, a member of the Local 4 sales team, is in rehab after taking a hard fall from a scooter in Downtown Detroit.

Across the country, emergency room doctors are seeing patients who have fallen from the scooters and ended face-down on the sidewalk.

Doctors at Detroit Receiving Hospital said they've recently seen a big uptick in knee, shoulder and back injuries, and many of the victims were on scooters.

Many people also ride the scooters without helmets. It's not a law that riders have to wear helmets in Michigan, but it is required in other states.

Bird will send riders a helmet for free if it is requested on the app.

You can watch Hank Winchester's full story in the video posted above.


About the Authors:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.