Electric scooters (commonly referred to as e-scooters) have been growing in popularity, making these alternative modes of transport a common sight on our high streets and pavements. It is not unrecognised that e-scooters provide a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation and, when used correctly and safely, provide a more sustainable and cost-effective transport solution. However, with nearly 1 million privately owned e-scooters in England alone and government-approved e-scooter rental trials still ongoing across several UK cities, critics and several road safety bodies remain concerned about the dangers posed by these being on our roads, especially when used illegally and irresponsibly. Additionally, despite their popularity, considerable confusion still exists regarding the laws governing e-scooters and their use on UK roads.
Latest E-Scooter Road Casualty Statistics
According to the latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) for 2023, there were 1,387 recorded casualties among e-scooter riders, including six fatalities. The total number of collisions involving e-scooters dropped slightly from 1,411 in 2022 to 1,292 in 2023. Additionally, the DfT estimates that collisions involving e-scooters resulted in:
- 416 seriously injured
- 965 slightly injured
Source: Access the full report here: Reported road casualties Great Britain: e-Scooter factsheet 2023
While it is encouraging to see an overall decline in the number of e-scooter related casualties, there are increasing demands for stricter regulations regarding their sale and use on public roads.
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) recently published its findings and recommendations for future legislation aimed at improving and expanding the way injuries from e-scooter collisions are recorded, along with recommendations for future legislation for e-scooter safety. The report is based on several research projects conducted by PACTS from 2020 to 2024 with funding from The Road Safety Trust.
Find details here: https://www.pacts.org.uk/pacts-expertise-e-scooter-safety/
Are E-scooters Legal?
Electric scooters are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and fall under the category of ‘powered transporters,’ which encompasses a range of personal transport devices powered by a motor. Because of this, the same rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need for at least a provisional license and insurance. However, while it is legal to own an e-scooter in the UK, obtaining insurance for privately owned e-scooters is currently not possible, rendering their use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or in public spaces illegal.
Currently, the only legal way to use e-scooters on public roads is through one of the authorised trial rental schemes, which were rolled out across certain cities in 2020, with the trial expected to be extended until 2026. Advice from the Metropolitan Police on using e-scooters can be found here: https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/
However, according to an article published by the Guardian earlier this year, electric scooters have been blamed for a surge in the number of children being penalised for driving without insurance. The article highlights that since the start of 2020, nearly 800 children aged between 13 and 16 have been given an IN10 endorsement (using a vehicle uninsured against third-party risks), raising serious concerns from several road safety charities. Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, was quoted as saying: “The government needs to urgently bring forward legislation on private e-scooters, which must include minimum [technical standards], speed limiters and proposals for riders to have a minimum level of competency.”
Source: Read the full article here: E-scooters blamed for big jump in children caught in UK driving without insurance
What Happens if You Are Involved in an Accident with an E-Scooter?
Accidents involving an e-scooter will be investigated in the same way as if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car. The UK government views e-scooter users as a ‘vulnerable’ user group and one that is particularly susceptible to injuries. E-scooter users can also be held responsible for causing a road traffic accident, for example, if it is being ridden irresponsibly in a public space, on a pavement or driven through a red light.
Road Accident Solicitors – Accident Claims Involving E-Scooters
If you have been injured in an accident involving an e-scooter, whether while riding it, as a pedestrian, or as another road user, you should get specialist legal advice at the earliest opportunity.
Compensation claims for e-scooter accidents work in much the same way as if you were in a road traffic accident with a car, bicycle, or motorbike. However, the process of making an RTA claim can be complex. At The Personal Injury People, our experienced road accident specialists have extensive experience handling claims for those injured in road traffic accidents, whether they were motor vehicle users, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians.
We help clients across England and Wales and offer a friendly and personal service that is tailored to your needs and situation.
If you want to find out if you can make a compensation claim, contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Call us at 0800 731 7555 or complete our enquiry form to get in touch. Our compassionate and dedicated solicitors are here to support you every step of the way.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.