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Be in Pursuit of a Safe Scoot for Injury Prevention Week

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This Injury Prevention Week, APIL (The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) is discussing the hot topic of e-scooters. With the rise in the purchase of e-scooters over the last few years, we believe that it is important that members of the public who use them are aware of their dangers and how best to avoid needless harm whilst riding them.

In a bid to improve public transport options, various cities around the UK such as London, Newcastle and Manchester have introduced e-scooter rental trails. This trial has not been introduced in Wales; therefore, they are only legally permitted to be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Before we delve further into this matter you need to be aware that, currently, as stated above e-scooters are only legally allowed to be ridden on public roads under certain organised rental schemes, but are banned from public roads and pavements in Wales. This is something you need to consider if you are thinking about purchasing one in the near future.

If you do currently use your e-scooter in public spaces or out on the roads then our advice would be to stop doing this immediately as you could be liable to pay a fixed penalty notice for driving without insurance, a £300 fine and 6 penalty points.

Accidents involving e-scooters are on the rise. Recent statistics released by all NHS Ambulance Trusts have revealed that 82% more ambulances were called to assist e-scooter-related accidents in 2021 compared to the previous year. It was also revealed that the number of e-scooter patients being referred to A&E increased by 40% between 2020 and 2021.

The average top speed across all e-scooters for adults today is 26 mph, however, a large number of models can reach greater speeds than that. Therefore, e-scooter users need to be careful in both protecting themselves and ensuring the safety of pedestrians.

With this in mind, e-scooter users must ensure they stay as safe as possible when using them in public. The following is a list we would advise you to follow when out in public on your e-scooter:

  • Always wear a helmet
  • Wear reflective clothing
  • Respect your local traffic laws
  • Wear the appropriate safety gear
  • Do not drink or take drugs before riding
  • Never ride too fast
  • Check that your tyres are sufficiently inflated and in good shape
  • Ensure your brake systems work
  • Make sure you have enough battery to reach your destination
  • Stay focused on your ride
  • Avoid riding in the rain, snow or wet weather
  • Avoid ice or slippery surfaces
  • Avoid pedestrian areas
  • Avoid heavy traffic
  • Ride as the manual instructs
  • Always use your lights at night
  • One rider per scooter

By following the above advice it is hoped that you can minimise risk and avoid any unnecessary harm to yourself and others when riding an e-scooter.

If you have any questions contact Sam on 01792 529 636 or email sam.bateman@jcpsolicitors.co.uk

For more information on APIL’s Injury Prevention Campaign, click here or you can follow the below social media platforms or use the hashtag #IPWeek2022.