Department of Transport Highlights Dangers of Illegal E-Scooters

Despite the fact that they continue to be illegal to use in public areas, new figures have been released from the Department of Transport (DfT) that show that at least 57 pedestrians were injured by e-scooters last year.

What is the law surrounding e-scooters?

E-scooters have become more widespread on the public roads, cycle lanes and pavements in the past few years, but confusion over their legality means that many people may be illegally using them. Currently, the law states that privately owned e-scooters are not legally allowed on roads or pavements. However, there are a number of government schemes in action that allow people to rent scooters. They have been hailed as a greener, more sustainable mode of transport that can reduce traffic congestion, but the number of drink-driving arrests that have been made in city centres has caused alarm amongst critics.

Read more about electric scooter laws in the UK on our page.

What have the figures found?

The Department of Transport figures have revealed that 13 of the 57 people who were injured over the last year were left in a ‘serious’ condition. Twenty-two people in other vehicles and 21 cyclists were also involved in collisions with the scooters. The majority of those who were injured were recorded as being aged at least 40, while nine were 70 and above, and eight children aged under 10 were also injured.  The figures also showed that one e-scooter user was killed, with a further 383 also injured last year. Around two-thirds of those injured on an e-scooter were aged under 30. This included 123 people who were 20-29, as well as 118 who were 10 to 19-years-old, and two others who were under 10. However, the figures did not say whether the incidents involved privately-owned e-scooters or rental e-scooters.

Road safety experts from Nextbase have recommended that ‘motorists take extra time to check their surroundings before they make any manoeuvres, always give e-scooter riders at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking, and do not alarm them by beeping your horn or speeding up – as this is likely to cause riders to lose concentration…we recommend that drivers use dash cams to capture any incident involving an e-scooter…this footage is accepted by all UK police forces and major insurance companies as proof of liability, helping protect motorists’ claims where there is a collision with an uninsured e-scooter.’

What to do if you have been involved in a road traffic accident

If you have been involved in an accident with an e-scooter and your vehicle, then it will be classed as a road traffic accident. When you have been involved in a RTA, you should get the name, address and insurance details of all parties if you can. You need to contact your won insurance company to let them know about any damage to your vehicle. You should also tell the police if you are injured, or if the defendant flees the scene. If you suffered an injury in the accident, you should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible and keep the report for future reference. Once you have received the necessary treatment and obtained a medical report, then specialist solicitors will be able to help you with your claim.

Get in touch today for expert help and advice with e-scooter accident claims.