UT study finds most electronic scooter crashes occur as riders head into driveways and crosswalks While the use of electric scooters has boomed in the U.S. research on their safety has been scarce. The University of Tennessee is working to change that. Author: WBIR Staff Updated: 4:34 PM EDT May 6, 2021 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For many people, electric scooters seem to be everywhere. They can be seen in clusters around downtown Knoxville and in most major cities, waiting for users to walk up and take them for a ride. Despite the boom in their use across the U.S., officials said information on their safety has been scarce. A professor and graduate student at the University of Tennessee conducted a study to collect data that can be used to inform policymakers' long-term decisions.