E-Scooter Riders Deliberately Create Dangerous Situations

Incidents involving electric scooters are not purely accidental. A recent study has uncovered that some riders intentionally provoke hazardous scenarios while operating these vehicles.

According to researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, the majority of accidents involving e-scooters stem from careless behavior exhibited by the riders. The study identified several key risk factors, including riding with one hand, group riding, and using a smartphone while navigating.

Researchers expressed surprise at the findings regarding riders who deliberately cause accidents or dangerous situations. This behavior appears to be particularly pronounced among e-scooter users, as highlighted in the study which analyzed data from nearly 7,000 rides using rental e-scooters in Gothenburg. It seems that individuals who do not own the scooter may be less concerned about the consequences of accidents.

Electric scooters have gained significant popularity in various European cities over recent years, emerging as a convenient transportation alternative for short distances. However, the rapid increase in their use has been met with considerable criticism regarding safety and ambiguity surrounding regulations governing their operation.

Marco Dozza, one of the study's authors, emphasized that e-scooters not only meet urban mobility needs but are also used for recreational purposes. Unfortunately, leisure rides can lead to risky behaviors that elevate the likelihood of accidents. The study noted that e-scooter riders display unusual and perilous riding habits more frequently than other road users.

Despite these concerning behaviors, the research also noted that the majority of e-scooter riders do not engage in reckless conduct. The investigation was funded by the Swedish Transport Administration.

The proliferation of e-scooters in Germany has witnessed a concurrent rise in accidents. Data from the German Insurance Association (GDV) revealed that the number of insurance-required e-scooters reached approximately 780,000 in 2023, reflecting a 37% increase from the previous year. The count of rental e-scooters also saw an uptick of 9%, totaling around 210,000.

This surge in e-scooter usage has resulted in a corresponding rise in traffic accidents. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the number of e-scooter accidents resulting in injuries increased from 8,443 in 2022 to 9,439 in 2023. Nevertheless, this figure still represents a small portion of the overall accident statistics.