Study Reveals Reckless Driving Often Responsible for E-Scooter Accidents

Recent research conducted by the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg has revealed that the majority of accidents involving e-scooters are attributed to careless behavior among riders. This study highlights several key risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.

According to the findings, actions such as riding with one hand, traveling in groups, and using smartphones while riding are among the most dangerous behaviors. Researchers expressed surprise at the frequency of intentional dangerous driving behaviors seen specifically among e-scooter users. The analysis was based on data collected from nearly 7,000 rides on rental scooters in Gothenburg, indicating that individuals who do not own their e-scooters may be less mindful of the potential consequences of accidents.

As e-scooters have gained popularity in numerous European cities, they have become a favored mode of transport for short distances. However, this surge in usage has also led to increased scrutiny regarding safety regulations and guidelines on where and how these electric scooters can be operated.

It is important to recognize that e-scooters serve not only as a means of urban mobility but also as a source of leisure for many riders. One of the study's authors noted that recreational rides can sometimes lead to risky behaviors that heighten the risk of accidents. The researchers found that e-scooter riders often engage in unusual and hazardous maneuvers far more frequently than other road users.

Despite these findings, the study also reassured that the vast majority of e-scooter riders do not exhibit risky behavior. The research was funded by the Swedish Transport Administration.

The increasing number of e-scooters on the streets has raised concerns about traffic safety. In Germany, for instance, the total count of insurance-requirement e-scooters reached about 780,000 in 2023, representing a 37% rise from the previous year. The number of rental scooters also increased by 9%, totaling around 210,000.

This surge in e-scooter usage has correlated with a rise in traffic accidents. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the number of e-scooter accidents involving injuries rose from 8,443 in 2022 to 9,439 in 2023. Nonetheless, these incidents still constitute a small fraction of the overall traffic accident statistics.