New analysis has discovered that one in 5 drivers say they’ve been concerned in an accident or close to miss with an e-scooter. Some police forces have reported a 300 p.c increase in the variety of accidents involving an e-scooter from 2020 to 2021.
UK police forces additionally reported greater than 1,500 e-scooter confiscations in 2021, an increase of 456 p.c on the variety of e-scooter confiscations in 2020.
Admiral Insurance analysed their claims information and located that 143 incidents involving e-scooters have been registered in 2021, greater than double the 65 reported in 2020.
They say whereas that is solely a small increase, it means that e-scooter accidents will proceed to rise.
The analysis additionally discovered that round one in ten households now personal an e-scooter.
READ MORE: Drivers on a ‘collision course’ with hazard after Highway Code adjustments
Lorna Connelly, Head of Claims at Admiral, stated: “Most people agree that e-scooters seem like an excellent way of getting from A-B, particularly in towns and cities with high traffic congestion.
“They offer a cheap, easy and environmentally friendly way for many people to get around.
“The current e-scooter trials in England are being extended to later this year as the impact is assessed to look at the safest way they can be used alongside road users and pedestrians.
“We’ve been monitoring how many incidents involving e-scooters our customers report to us.
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“In 2019 there were just 13, in 2020 that jumped to 65 and last year it increased to 143.
“The vast majority of those thankfully didn’t result in a claim.
“While a tenfold increase in accidents sounds significant, the numbers are still fairly small but the increase certainly reflects the fact that e-scooters have surged in popularity.
“Private e-scooters are still illegal unless used on private property, but our research suggests many people are confused by the rules.
“The world of transport is evolving, so it’s important that infrastructure evolves alongside it to meet demand and keep all road users safe. If e-scooters are made legal on UK roads, it’s essential that safety for all road users is the top priority.
“Even one accident is one accident too many, so if you’re driving please be extra vigilant – particularly when visibility is poor.
“Our guidance outlines exactly where it is currently legal to ride an e-scooter – and advice for how drivers can use the road safely alongside them.”
Admiral analysis additionally discovered that two thirds of Britons are unaware that the usage of personal e-scooters continues to be unlawful on public roads.
Superpedestrian, identified as the “Volvo of e-scooters”, not too long ago acquired $125million (£92.1million) to roll out its good know-how which may robotically cease the scooter if ridden on the pavement or recklessly.
This comes as France has launched a shake-as much as their Highway Code, creating a brand new class for gentle electrical mopeds and e-scooters that may be ridden with out a licence at speeds as much as 15.5mph (25km/h).
Insurance will likely be necessary, though no licence plates are required on the precise car.
These adjustments have been launched on January 14, just a matter of days earlier than the UK’s overhaul of Highway Code guidelines.