Surge in E-Scooter Accidents Raises Safety Concerns

The number of accidents involving e-scooters has seen a significant increase in 2024, raising serious safety concerns among authorities and users alike. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, Germany recorded a total of 11,944 e-scooter accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities last year. This figure represents a substantial rise of 26.7% compared to 2023, which had 9,425 reported incidents.

Tragically, 27 individuals lost their lives in e-scooter-related accidents in 2024, a slight increase from the 22 fatalities recorded the previous year. The majority of those injured and all deceased were the riders themselves, as highlighted by the statistical analysis.

Young riders, particularly those under the age of 25, were disproportionately involved in these accidents. In fact, nearly 50% of the e-scooter operators involved in accidents were aged below 25, while 82% were under 45 years old. This trend is believed to stem from the higher usage rates of e-scooters among younger demographics compared to older individuals.

Alcohol consumption has emerged as a troubling factor in these incidents. In 2024, the police noted that 12.4% of e-scooter riders involved in accidents were under the influence of alcohol. For comparison, the percentage of alcohol-related incidents was lower among cyclists at 7.8% and among unregistered motor vehicles, such as mopeds and e-bikes, at 5.9%.

Despite the alarming rise in e-scooter accidents, they still account for a relatively minor portion of overall traffic incidents. In total, the police reported 290,701 traffic accidents with personal injury across Germany in 2024, with e-scooter riders involved in just 4.1% of these cases. However, this marks an increase of 3.2% from the previous year, indicating a growing concern for public safety.

Authorities are now faced with the challenge of addressing this trend, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and safety measures among e-scooter users. As the popularity of e-scooters continues to rise, so too does the imperative for responsible riding and adherence to safety regulations to prevent further accidents.