Consumer Reports Withdrew Safety Advice for E-Scooters
The group has rescinded its recommendations for electric scooters following a surge in user injuries.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Motocycles
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Consumer Reports has officially withdrawn all safety recommendations for electric scooters after the devices saw a dramatic increase in injury rates. The move follows recent evaluations where testers were injured during standard riding procedures.
Why it matters
Safety concerns have intensified as scooter speeds have climbed compared to 2022 models, contributing to an injury crisis nationwide. With reports of incidents surging, the organization stopped endorsing these products to prevent further user harm.
Injuries rose to nearly 80,000 in 2024 compared to 10,500 in 2017, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Consumer Reports recently evaluated 13 models before determining that higher top speeds of 20 miles per hour pose too great a risk.
The players
Consumer Reports
An independent non-profit organization that provides product testing and consumer advocacy.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
The federal agency tasked with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products.
The details
Modern electric scooters often hit 20 miles per hour, significantly faster than the 15.5 miles per hour limit seen in 2022 models. During testing, researchers found that braking weight shifts aggressively to the front wheel, which reduces rear traction and can lead to instability when hitting loose surfaces like gravel. Most reported injuries occur independently of vehicle collisions.
Timeline
2017: The CPSC recorded 10,500 e-scooter injuries.
2022: Consumer Reports previously tested e-scooter models.
2024: The CPSC recorded nearly 80,000 e-scooter injuries.
September 2026: Consumer Reports released the e-scooter safety report.
The Home Front
This development reflects a shift in how consumer safety organizations approach the rapid evolution of personal electric transit. It mirrors broader trends where high-speed mobility technology frequently outpaces existing safety regulations and user testing protocols.
If you own an electric scooter, prioritize wearing protective gear and check that your braking system is functioning properly. Be aware that riding on loose surfaces like gravel while turning can trigger a loss of traction at higher speeds.
The takeaway
The rise in injury figures highlights the mechanical risks of higher-speed personal transit devices. Always inspect the tires and braking responsiveness of any scooter before use, especially if it is capable of reaching 20 miles per hour.
Further reading
For more information on the current safety landscape for riders, browse our full Motocycles archive.
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Do you trust the safety of electric scooters for your own daily transportation needs?
