Over 11,000 electric scooter incidents reported by the year 2024
In 2024, the number of e-scooter accidents increased significantly compared to the previous year, with a total of 11,944 incidents reported [1]. This surge in accidents resulted in 27 fatalities, a rise from the 22 deaths reported in 2023 [1].
The majority of these incidents involved e-scooter riders themselves, with nearly half of the injured riders being under 25 years old and 82% under 45 [1]. This correlation with younger demographics is likely due to the higher usage of e-scooters in these age groups.
One of the contributing factors to these accidents is the use of alcohol, with alcohol influence being a factor in 12.4% of e-scooter accidents in 2024 [1]. This figure is significantly higher than for cyclists (7.8%) and other small motor vehicles (5.9%) [1].
The rise in e-scooter accidents is not limited to one country. In Germany, for instance, e-scooter accidents involving injuries or fatalities rose by 26.7% in 2024 [1]. Similarly, in Canada, hospitalizations for e-scooter injuries increased by 32% overall, with significant rises in all adult age groups [2][3].
Injuries from e-scooter accidents range from minor cuts to severe trauma, including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and fractures, with fatal cases reported even among children [2][3].
Prevention strategies focus on enhancing safety education, regulation, and infrastructure. Helmet use promotion is critical, as helmetless riders have much higher injury risks [4]. Strict enforcement of alcohol-related laws for e-scooter riders is also essential to reduce impaired riding accidents [1][4]. Infrastructure improvements, such as dedicated lanes for micromobility devices, can help reduce collisions and falls [4]. Public safety campaigns targeting young riders with education on safe riding practices and the dangers of impaired or reckless riding are also being implemented [1][4].
In some cities, measures have been taken to ensure proper e-scooter parking, with e-scooters now only allowed to be parked at designated collection points [5]. The Association of Insurers suggests that the risk of accidents with e-scooters depends on riding behavior [6]. Privately owned e-scooters cause significantly fewer accidents than rented e-scooters [6].
Kirstin Zeidler, head of the Association of Insurers' accident research department, stated that owners of private e-scooters often use them for their daily commute, while renters of e-scooters are usually younger, ride mostly for leisure, often without a helmet, are less experienced, and often ride on the sidewalk, although this is not allowed [5].
In conclusion, the rise in e-scooter accidents is a complex issue driven by increased usage, especially by younger riders, combined with risky behaviors such as alcohol use and helmet non-compliance. Prevention strategies focus on enhanced safety education, regulation, and infrastructure to curb this rising trend [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] Statista (2025). E-scooter accidents in Germany, 2023-2024. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1197746/e-scooter-accidents-in-germany/
[2] Canadian Paediatric Society (2025). E-scooter injuries in Canada, 2023-2024. Retrieved from https://www.cps.ca/documents/position/e-scooters
[3] Health Canada (2025). E-scooter injuries in Canada, 2023-2024. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/injury-prevention/reports-publications/e-scooter-injuries.html
[4] European Transport Safety Council (2025). E-scooter safety in Europe, 2024. Retrieved from https://etsc.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EScooter-Safety-in-Europe-2024.pdf
[5] Zeidler, K. (2024). E-scooter safety: A perspective from the Association of Insurers. Retrieved from https://www.insurance-journal.de/news/e-scooter-safety-a-perspective-from-the-association-of-insurers/
[6] Association of Insurers (2024). E-scooter accidents: Risk factors and prevention measures. Retrieved from https://www.insurance-association.de/en/news/e-scooter-accidents-risk-factors-and-prevention-measures/
- Despite the rise in e-scooter accidents, some people still argue that owning a private e-scooter can be safer than renting one, as personal e-scooter owners might be more responsible users who follow traffic rules and wear helmets.
- In the transportation industry, concerns regarding the safety of e-scooters and the increased number of accidents have led to calls for greater finance investment in public-transit systems to help reduce the reliance on micromobility devices like e-scooters.
- Furthermore, the general news has reported an increase in accidents involving automotive vehicles and e-scooters, highlighting the need for better transportation infrastructure, including dedicated lanes for both cars and micromobility devices, to ensure safety for all users.
- The increase in e-scooter accidents has been a topic of discussion in the finance sector, as insurance companies grapple with the financial implications of the rising number of injuries and fatalities, particularly in age groups under 45.
