By E-scooter casualties on the rise in Humberside
According to new figures, the number of injuries from e-scooters is on the rise in Humberside.
E-scooters have become a popular method of travel in recent years as they have the potential to reduce pollution and provide a quick and easy mode of transport.
Privately-owned e-scooters remain illegal on public roads, and critics say they are dangerous for riders and other road users.
Figures from the Department for Transport show there were 12 casualties from e-scooter accidents in 2021 recorded by Humberside Police, up from two in 2020.
However, e-scooters are responsible for a small proportion of all traffic accidents, accounting for less than 1% of all road casualties in Humberside last year.
As part of a planned Transport Bill, government is considering legalising the use of private scooters on roads in the near future.
Users themselves were far more likely to be hurt from these collisions than other road users, accounting for 76% of all e-scooter casualties across Great Britain.
Pedestrians made up 16% and cyclists 5%, while car users only suffered 17 slight injuries from e-scooter accidents in 2021.
Across Great Britain, the number of casualties from e-scooter collisions stood at 1,359 for 2021, nearly triple the 484 recorded the year before.
And in 2021 there were nine fatalities, up from just one the year before.
The DfT notes that minor casualties may go unreported, so the true number of injuries may be higher.
A DfT spokesperson said: “We have set out clear regulations and guidance for users and rental providers on wearing helmets, speed limits and precautions to keep everyone safe.
“While riding a privately owned e-scooter on public land is currently illegal, we are considering how best to design future regulations.
“Our Transport Bill will enable us to take the steps we need to support innovation, robustly crack down on irresponsible use and make e-scooters safer.”
