E-scooter accidents: What to do next if you’ve suffered an electric scooter injury

Using electric scooters in the UK

Electric scooters – or e-scooters – are still a relatively new method of transport, though it is increasingly common to see them across the UK. Seen as an effective and less labour-intensive alternative to cycling or walking, an e-scooter may seem like a simple vehicle to operate, but they are treated as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

This means operating them on public roads or in public spaces requires a valid driving licence (provisional or full), the rider must be over the age of 16, and the e-scooter must be taxed and insured.

However, it must be noted that it is currently illegal to ride a privately-owned e-scooter on public roads in the UK. If caught riding an e-scooter illegally, you could face a fine of up to £300, six points on your licence, and the police have the authority to seize the scooter as an uninsured vehicle (as it is not currently legal to ride an e-scooter on the road, it is also not possible to insure them in the UK).

In some cities, it is possible to rent an e-scooter that can be legally used on the UK’s roads. It is, however, still illegal to ride them on the pavements. They must be operated on the road, in cycle lanes or at the side of the road as you would if you were a cyclist.

How common are e-scooter accidents?

Unfortunately, accidents involving e-scooters happen fairly frequently, and they are becoming increasingly more commonplace. E-scooters can reach excess speeds of 30mph, which can be difficult to control as they have limited breaking capacity.

According to the latest statistics, in 2023, there were 1,720 e-scooter accidents that caused an injury – 15 of which were fatal. In London, data showed that incidents had risen by 20 per cent on the previous year.

Pedestrians – and e-scooter riders themselves – are particularly vulnerable road users, so accidents involving either or both groups can cause significant injuries. Some common electric scooter injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Broken or fractured bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries and brain damage

What to do if you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident

If you’ve been involved in an e-scooter accident, your first priority should your health and well-being. If you or anyone else has been hurt, seek medical attention as soon as possible – for more serious injuries, an ambulance should be called.

You should also make sure to take the following steps, wherever possible:

• Report the accident to the police: This is particularly important if the rider of the e-scooter flees the scene, or has been driving their scooter in an illegal or dangerous manner (such as mounting pavements or failing to stop for traffic signals)
• Gather information: Take the names, addresses and telephone numbers of everyone involved in the accident and anyone witnesses willing to give a statement of the event
• Take photographic evidence: Capture a photo of anything relevant to the accident, including where the accident occurred, any relevant road signage (such as stop signs, lane markings and turning signals) and any damage to vehicles involved (including the e-scooter)

Can you make a claim for an e-scooter accident in the UK?

Yes, you can make a claim for compensation if you’ve suffered an injury due to an electric scooter accident. This could include injuries caused by:

• A collision with another vehicle, such as a car, van or lorry
• A collision with a cyclist or pedestrian (including where you were the e-scooter rider, though determining liability in such cases can be complex)
• An accident due to road defects, such as potholes or loose gravel
• Accidents due to e-scooter malfunctions
• Dangerous or reckless driving on the part of an e-scooter rider, including negligent behaviour, dangers caused by inexperience, and speeding

No matter how you’ve been injured by an e-scooter accident, the first step is to contact a specialist road accident solicitor with experience in handling e-scooter accident claims.

Given the legislation surrounding e-scooters, determining liability in accidents can be complex, so it is important to seek the right legal advice. Our expert team has worked closely with victims of e-scooter accidents to secure the compensation they deserve.

Speak to Slater and Gordon

If you need expert legal support from specialist solicitors you can trust, speak to our team today on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online to make an enquiry.

All the above information was correct at the time of publication.