The rise of electric scooters, commonly referred to as e-scooters, in the UK has been rapid. Initially introduced as a green alternative to commuting, e-scooters have found their place in the transportation mix of the urban landscape. However, with their popularity comes a surge in accidents, particularly involving head injuries.
The Current Scenario
Newly released data from the Department for Transport reveals that in 2022, there were 1,402 collisions involving e-scooters and 1,492 casualties in Great Britain. Alarmingly, besides the e-scooter riders who make up 77% of this total, most of the casualties were pedestrians and cyclists.
Despite the growing concern, e-scooters are currently categorized under the Road Traffic Act 1988 as motor vehicles, a classification which brings its own complexities. As of now, while one can legally purchase an e-scooter, riding them in public, outside of designated trial areas, remains illegal.
E-scooter trials began in 2020 and were set to conclude in summer 2021. However, due to their increasing significance, the trials have been extended until 2024. The Queen’s speech on May 10th, 2022, even indicated possible legislation that would make private e-scooters legal on UK roads.
Safety Concerns
With 713 e-scooter related accidents attended by NHS ambulance vehicles in 2021, up from 392 the previous year, there’s a palpable concern about their safety. The government’s reports for the year ending 2022 showed 1,149 accidents and casualties involving e-scooters, including 12 fatalities and 440 serious injuries. Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable group, with 60 seriously injured and 1 killed in e-scooter related accidents during that period.
Many risk factors compound these statistics:
- Lack of training or experience with e-scooters.
- Absence of a mandatory ‘driving test’.
- Potential for risky behaviours like riding on pavements, speeding, not wearing helmets, or being distracted by mobile phones.
- Design-related risks such as e-scooters being unstable or lacking indicators and audible warning mechanisms.
Legal Implications and Compensation
While safety remains paramount, there’s also the matter of accountability. A notable concern is that private e-scooters, unlike their rental counterparts, don’t come with mandatory insurance. In the event of an accident, this poses significant challenges in obtaining compensation for the affected parties.
However, as the law currently stands, if you suffer an injury due to the negligence of an e-scooter rider, you are entitled to compensation. But, given that many e-scooter riders lack insurance, recovering damages can be an uphill task. This is where the expertise of personal injury solicitors becomes invaluable.
At Ringrose Law, we specialize in handling personal injury cases, particularly head injuries. Our team of experts is well-equipped to navigate the complexities surrounding e-scooter related injuries. Whether it’s guiding you through claims against the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) under the Uninsured Driver’s Agreement or assisting in cases involving insured rental e-scooters, we’re here to help.
E-scooters may be a modern solution to urban commuting, but they bring with them age-old concerns about safety and accountability. If you or a loved one has suffered due to an e-scooter accident, email to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.