E-scooter usage and collisions on the rise

The use of electric vehicles is on the rise and the potential benefits and disadvantages are still being investigated and tested. Over the last few years, the use of electric scooters has increased and they have often made headlines in relation to the danger they can present.

Currently, you can ride an e-scooter on private land with the landowner’s permission. It is illegal to ride an e-scooter on a public road, pavement or cycle lane unless you are taking part in the government’s e-scooter trial programme. Drivers involved in the trial must hold a driving licence, the e-scooter must have automatic lights and be limited to 15.5mph speed. It is recommended that drivers wear a helmet although it is not a legal requirement. The trials began in July 2020 and they are still continuing in some regions of the UK. The information gathered will go towards new legislation if wider public use of e-scooters is introduced.

Unfortunately, the statistics show that e-scooters are involved in a significant number of collisions. The Department for Transport reported that in 2021 there were 1,280 collisions involving e-scooters, a substantial rise from 460 collisions in 2020. They reported that there were 1,359 casualties and 9 deaths – all of which were e-scooter riders.

If you are injured and the cause of the accident was someone else’s negligent behaviour, then you can bring a claim for compensation for your injuries and financial losses.

You may be injured whilst driving an e-scooter in a collision with another vehicle such a bike, another scooter or a car. Pot holes or defects in the road can cause serious injuries too.

The fact that e-scooter riders do not always wear heavy protection as people do on motor bikes does tend to mean that their injuries will be more significant.

You may also be injured as a pedestrian by an e-scooter. Even if the e-scooter user was not insured, you may still be able to bring a claim via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau who can step in when drivers do not have insurance.

The injuries following an e-scooter collision can be devastating. If you have been involved in an e-scooter collision and need expert legal advice on whether you can make a claim do not hesitate to contact our specialists today.