E-Scooter Accidents in the UK: Stats, Risks & Safety Tips

Electric scooters are now a common way to travel in many UK cities. However, there are worries about road safety and the increasing number of accidents. In places where trial scooters are allowed, there are rules to follow. Yet, the legal status of privately owned electric scooters is uncertain. This leads to a wild west situation, where people use them on public roads without clear guidelines.

Reports show that road casualties are rising, especially among young people. Safety groups like IAM RoadSmart and the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) are worried about this issue. Police forces, including the Metropolitan Police, are also bringing attention to the problems with illegal e-scooter use.

E-Scooter Accidents and Injury Statistics in the UK

How Many E-Scooter Accidents Happen in the UK?

E-scooter accidents have gone up a lot, based on road casualty data from the Department for Transport (DfT). This increase started when rental trials began in July 2020.

• In 2023, there were 1,720 e-scooter accidents. This is a 15% rise from 2022.

• There were 15 fatalities. Serious injuries also went up.

• The Metropolitan Police said that e-scooter crashes rose by 20% in London.

Proportion of Casualties by Road User Type

E-scooter accidents affect many people on the road. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, and car drivers. The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety discovered this important information.

A big worry is the growing number of injuries to pedestrians caused by riders on the pavement. In 2023, more than 18% of the people hurt were pedestrians who were struck by a scooter.

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Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents

E-scooter accidents can happen for several reasons. Many of these reasons are about high speed, people not being aware, and riding in places where they are not allowed.

1. Excessive Speed and Loss of Control

• Most rental e-scooters can only go up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h). On the other hand, private scooters can go faster than 30 mph (48 km/h), which raises the chances of serious injuries.

• Losing control is a common reason for serious injuries. This is especially true for young people.

2. Collisions with Vehicles and Pedestrians

• More and more, the way car users interact with e-scooters is becoming a safety problem. Nottingham and Bristol have reported many accidents where e-scooters hit cars and buses.

• E-scooters frequently get into rear-end crashes at traffic signs and junctions. This usually happens when car drivers do not see them.

3. Riding on Pavements and in Cycle Lanes

• Even though it’s against the law, many riders continue to ride on pavements and cycle lanes. This has caused more injuries for pedestrians.

• In 2023, police forces in the UK, such as those in Newcastle and Liverpool, have given out over 4,500 fines for illegal e-scooter use in public areas.

4. Poor Road Conditions and Lack of Safety Gear

• Potholes, bumpy roads, and poor cycling paths have made riding scooters more dangerous.

• Riders who don’t wear a helmet or protective gear have a greater chance of getting seriously hurt.

Hospitalisation and Injury Rates

The Road Safety Charity IAM RoadSmart has raised concerns about the many e-scooter injuries that lead to hospital visits. This information comes from data shared by NHS England.

• One in five e-scooter accidents results in a serious head injury.

• Sixty-seven percent of riders who went to the hospital were not wearing a cycle helmet.

• Twenty-seven percent of e-scooter injuries needed surgery or long-term care.

• Eight percent of injured riders faced permanent disability from spinal or limb injuries.

How to Stay Safe While Riding an E-Scooter

Riders can take some steps to stay safe and avoid crashes, even with the risks involved.

1. Follow Speed Limits and Ride in Designated Areas

• Always ride your scooter within maximum speed limits. Rental scooters have a top speed of 15.5 mph. Going faster can raise the risk of an accident a lot.

• Never ride on pavements or in cycle lanes that are not allowed.

2. Wear Protective Gear

• A cycle helmet lowers the chance of head injury by 69%.

• Using bright clothes helps riders stand out to others on the road.

3. Avoid Riding at Night or in Poor Weather

• It is harder to see at night. This makes collisions with pedestrians and vehicles more likely.

• Rain and ice make roads slick. This raises the chances of losing control.

4. Obey Traffic Signs and Local Regulations

• You can use rental e-scooters only in trial areas like London, Bristol, and Newcastle.

• Private scooters can only be used on private land, and you need to have the landowner’s permission.

How E-Scooter Accidents Can Impact Car Insurance

Many people don’t know that e-scooter mistakes and accidents can affect car insurance costs. If someone is caught using a private e-scooter on public roads without permission, they might get penalty points on their driving licence or provisional licence.

Car insurance companiessee penalty points as a sign of higher risk. This can cause your insurance rates to go up. For example:

Additionally, If a car driver gets into an accident with an e-scooter, their car insurance might have to pay for costs related to other people involved. But, in the UK, many car insurance plansdo not cover e-scooter riders. This means that drivers may have to pay for damages out of their own pocket if there is no insurance from a rental scheme involved.

If e-scooters are allowed for personal use, insurance companies might create special policies like moped or motorcycle insurance. Until that happens, riders need to be careful. Breaking e-scooter laws might make it tougher to find cheap car insurance later.

FAQs About E-Scooter Accidents in the UK