Rigshospitalet Reports Record Surge in Severe Head Injuries from Helmetless Riding

Rigshospitalet has reported a big jump in serious head injuries this summer. Doctors treated 10 to 15 patients with severe brain injuries. All cases came from falls off bicycles, e-bikes, and electric scooters. None of the riders wore a helmet. In past summers, the hospital only saw two or three cases.

• 10 to 15 severe brain injury cases were treated at Rigshospitalet this summer.
• Previous summers saw only 2 to 3 similar cases.
• Helmets are legally mandatory for electric scooters in Denmark.
• Call 1813 before going to hospital emergency care for non-life-threatening injuries.
• Call 112 directly for immediate life-threatening medical emergencies.

Cycling is a main way to travel in Copenhagen. Many international residents use bikes or rental e-scooters daily. In Denmark, wearing a helmet on an electric scooter is mandatory by law. You can get a fine if you ride a scooter without one. Standard bikes and e-bikes do not legally require a helmet for adults. However, doctors strongly advise wearing one on all two-wheeled vehicles.

Electric bikes move faster than traditional bicycles. Higher speeds lead to harder impacts during accidents. If you fall, call the medical helpline at 1813 before visiting emergency care. In life-threatening emergencies, call 112 immediately. Wearing a helmet is an easy way to stay safe on city streets.