E-scooter accidents and deaths in Germany reaching unprecedented levels
In an effort to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents involving e-scooters, Germany is planning to implement several traffic rule changes. These changes aim to increase accountability among e-scooter riders and integrate micromobility safely into traffic.
The proposed reforms include mandatory licensing and safety testing for riders, registration and licence plates for e-scooters, and mandatory insurance coverage. These measures are in line with broader European trends to tighten micromobility regulations and improve safety.
One of the key changes is the requirement for riders to hold a valid driving licence or pass a safety test. This ensures that riders have basic traffic competence, which could help prevent accidents caused by poor driving or incorrect use of the road.
Another significant change is the mandatory display of licence plates on e-scooters, making it easier for enforcement authorities to identify and regulate these vehicles. Additionally, e-scooter riders will be obliged to have third-party liability insurance to cover damages caused to others in accidents.
The new rules also include potential restrictions on e-scooter use during nighttime and speed limits, consistent with general EU rules. These changes are part of Germany’s broader coalition government commitments to improve road safety and are in line with the European Transport Safety Council’s call for stronger action to halve road deaths by 2030.
Unfortunately, accidents involving e-scooters are on the rise. In 2024, the number of accidents increased by 26.7 percent compared to 2023, with a total of 11,944 accidents recorded. Alarmingly, nearly half of the people involved in these accidents were under 25 years old, and 82 percent were under 45.
Incorrect use of the road, such as riding on pavements, was a factor in 21.2 percent of e-scooter accidents. It is important to note that riding on pavements is not permitted for e-scooter riders. Alcohol-related incidents account for a disproportionate number of e-scooter accidents, with alcohol playing a role in 12.4 percent of accidents. E-scooter riders must observe a zero-alcohol policy if under 21 or a new driver.
The rapid increase in the number of e-scooters on German roads is due to a 37 percent rise in private ownership during 2024 and the ubiquity of rental scooters in cities. Rental e-scooter users are more likely to flout rules, such as riding on pavements or after consuming alcohol, which contributes to the higher accident rates among this group.
In conclusion, Germany’s planned rule changes for e-scooters focus on licensing and safety testing for riders, registration and licence plates for vehicles, and mandatory insurance coverage. These reforms aim to reduce accidents and integrate micromobility safely into traffic. It is crucial for e-scooter riders to adhere to these rules and prioritise safety to ensure a decrease in the number of accidents on German roads.
- The increased use of data-and-cloud-computing can play a significant role in tracking e-scooter usage and enforcing traffic rules, which may help reduce accidents and promote safety.
- As the number of car-accidents, fires, and general-news stories continues to rise, it's important to recognize the importance of utilizing technology to address issues such as e-scooter safety.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice, it's essential to address the disproportionate number of e-scooter accidents involving young adults and enforce zero-alcohol policies for underage riders.
- On a positive note, the increasing popularity of sports-betting indicates growth in the technology sector, but it's also crucial to ensure that this technological advancement does not compromise road safety, such as through the misuse of e-scooters.
