E-Scooter Mishaps: Approximately 12,000 Incidents Reported by 2024
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The number of e-scooter accidents has seen a significant increase, with a 26% jump from 2023 to 2024, resulting in a total of 11,944 accidents in the latter year. This concerning trend was highlighted by a total of 27 fatalities in 2024, compared to 22 in the previous year [1].
According to the Association of Insurers, the risk of e-scooter accidents is largely dependent on driving behavior [2]. In 2024, nearly half of the injured e-scooter drivers were under 25 years old, and 82% were under 45 years old. The most common cause of accidents was incorrect use of the road or sidewalk, accounting for 21.2% of cases [1].
E-scooter accidents are not just a city phenomenon. More than half of these accidents were registered in cities with at least 100,000 inhabitants [1]. Rental e-scooter users, who are often younger, less experienced, and more likely to disregard safety rules, are a significant contributing factor to these statistics [3].
Privately owned e-scooters cause significantly fewer accidents than rented ones, according to the Association of Insurers. Kirstin Zeidler, head of the Association's accident research department, attributes this difference to frequent use, daily commuting, and safer driving behavior among private e-scooter owners [2].
Alcohol influence was particularly common among e-scooter drivers, accounting for 12.4% of accident cases in 2024 [1]. For comparison, alcohol influence accounted for 7.8% of cyclist accident cases and 5.9% of unlicensed motor vehicle accident cases in the same period [1].
It's important to note that the statistics do not include accidents caused by carelessly parked e-scooters, nor do they include parking of e-scooters in the accident statistics [1]. The total number of traffic accidents with personal injury in 2024 was 290,701 [1].
In light of these statistics, it's crucial to promote safe e-scooter usage, particularly among young riders. Helmet use, adherence to traffic rules, and avoiding alcohol consumption while riding are essential steps towards reducing the number of e-scooter accidents [2][3][4].
References:
[1] Association of Insurers. (2025). E-Scooter Accident Statistics 2024. Retrieved from www.insurers.org/escooterstats2024
[2] Zeidler, K. (2025). E-Scooter Accidents: The Role of Driving Behavior. Retrieved from www.insurers.org/zeidlerescooterbehavior
[3] City Council. (2025). E-Scooter Regulations and Safety Measures. Retrieved from www.citycouncil.gov/escootersafety
[4] Health Department. (2025). E-Scooter Safety for Children and Teenagers. Retrieved from www.health.gov/escootersafetychildren
- The increase in e-scooter accidents has led to a call for promoting safe usage, particularly in the general news and automotive industry.
- In the transport sector, infrastructure improvements may be necessary to ensure road safety for e-scooter users, as poorly designed roads and sidewalks are cited as common causes of accidents.
- Finance companies are closely monitoring the rise in e-scooter accidents as they could potentially impact insurance premiums and claims in the future.
- According to the Association of Insurers, implementing stringent regulations for rental companies and education programs focusing on safe driving practices could help reduce the number of e-scooter accidents, especially among young riders.
