Increase in e-scooter accidents: Approximately 12,000 incidents reported by 2024
In 2024, the number of e-scooter accidents in Germany saw a significant increase, with a 26.7% rise in injury-causing incidents compared to the previous year. This surge resulted in 11,944 accidents, tragically leading to 27 fatalities - a rise from the 22 fatalities recorded in 2023 [1][2].
Young people, particularly those under 25, were disproportionately affected, accounting for nearly half of all accident victims [1][2]. The causes behind this trend are multifaceted, with young age and risky behaviour, alcohol use, lack of helmets, late-night riding, and the inherent vulnerability of e-scooters all playing a role [3].
Younger riders under 25 and under 45 are more frequently involved in e-scooter accidents, correlating with greater e-scooter usage among youth [1][2]. Alcohol use was a factor in about 12.4% of cases, a higher rate than for cyclists (7.8%) and other unregistered motor vehicles like mopeds (5.9%) [2][3]. Studies show that e-scooter riders often ride without helmets and during nighttime hours, increasing injury severity [3]. Moreover, unlike bicycles or cars, e-scooters provide no crumple zones or protective barriers, meaning riders absorb the full impact during crashes, leading to higher risk and severity of injuries [3].
Prevention measures suggested include promoting helmet use and protective gear, enforcing stricter drunk riding regulations, raising awareness targeted especially at young riders, implementing speed limits and dedicated lanes for micromobility devices, and enhancing safety campaigns focusing on risky behaviours such as alcohol use and night riding [3].
Comparative statistics reveal that e-scooter riders are about three times more likely to require emergency hospital care than cyclists per number of trips, highlighting their relatively higher injury risk [3]. Alcohol involvement is noticeably higher in e-scooter accidents than in cyclist or moped incidents [2]. Younger demographics dominate e-scooter accident victim profiles, whereas bicycle and pedelec accident victims have a broader age distribution with more older adults affected [1].
This trend is not isolated to Germany, as data from Canada also suggests a rising trend in e-scooter injuries, with pediatric hospitalizations increasing by 61% from 2023 to 2024, and significant rises among adults as well [4].
In conclusion, the increase in 2024 e-scooter accidents is driven largely by demographic usage patterns, risky behaviours, and the inherent vulnerability of e-scooter riders compared to cyclists or car occupants. Prevention efforts need to focus on safety education, regulation, and infrastructure adaptation to address these challenges [1][2][3][4].
The increase in e-scooter accidents in 2024, as observed in Germany, might have connections with the automotive industry, considering the rise in young riders under 25. This trend could prompt the need for enhanced safety measures in the transportation sector, such as promoting helmet use and stricter drunk-riding regulations.
Moreover, the finance industry might also need to consider the potential increase in healthcare expenditures due to the high injury risk associated with e-scooter usage, as e-scooter riders are approximately three times more likely to require emergency hospital care than cyclists per number of trips.
