The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has called on the European Union to introduce mandatory safety standards for e-scooters, citing an alarming rise in fatal accidents linked to their use.
The council’s new research highlights the urgent need for the EU to impose stricter regulations, including a 20 km/h speed limit and set standards for acceleration, braking performance, and overall vehicle stability.
While some EU product regulations currently apply to e-scooters, such as rules covering machinery and batteries, there is no comprehensive standard addressing crucial safety factors like maximum speed and braking capabilities.
This lack of uniformity has led to a patchwork of national regulations and voluntary safety measures, which experts argue is inadequate given the increasing popularity of e-scooters in urban areas.
“E-scooters are now an established and popular way of getting around in urban areas in the EU. However, they also come with a degree of risk that needs addressing more effectively than today,” said Jenny Carson, co-author of the ETSC report.
Carson added that with the right combination of safer infrastructure, vehicles, and rider behavior, the EU could ensure a safer environment for e-scooter riders, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
As it stands, 11 European countries have already introduced a 20 km/h speed limit for e-scooters, but these regulations are not consistent across the continent. Belgium, for instance, allows a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
The ETSC recommends that new EU regulations mandate a 20 km/h speed limit for all e-scooters, as well as a minimum braking performance, limits on acceleration, and the inclusion of safety features such as front and rear lights, brakes, and an audible warning device like a bell.
The research also suggests stricter rider safety measures, including a minimum age requirement of 16 years for e-scooter users, mandatory helmet use, and bans on riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as riding with passengers.
E-scooter-related fatalities are increasing, with data revealing 119 deaths in 2022 alone, caused by collisions involving “motorised micro-mobility devices,” a category that includes e-scooters and other electric vehicles like unicycles.
However, the rise in fatalities may not necessarily be a reflection of a greater inherent danger, as more people are using e-scooters.
The ETSC urges the collection of more data on e-scooter usage to better understand the actual risks, as previous analyses have shown that e-scooter accidents are more deadly than bicycle crashes.
Notably, many e-scooter-related injuries and fatalities occur without other road users being involved. Since police are typically not called to the scene of these incidents, they often go unreported in national data.
Furthermore, between 50% and 66% of e-scooter deaths involved alcohol consumption, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement of drink-driving laws.
Several European cities have already taken proactive steps to address the risks associated with e-scooters. In Finland and Norway, authorities have imposed strict speed limits or nighttime bans on shared e-scooters, leading to a reduction in injuries. In Brussels, the speed limit for shared e-scooters is capped at 20 km/h, with a stricter 8 km/h limit in pedestrian zones.
In addition to regulating e-scooter usage, the ETSC report highlights the importance of reducing the speed limits for regular traffic in urban areas. Studies show that vehicles traveling at speeds of 30 km/h or less are significantly less likely to cause fatal accidents involving vulnerable road users, including e-scooter riders, pedestrians, and cyclists.
As e-scooters continue to grow in popularity, experts argue that a coordinated approach at the EU level is essential to reduce the risks and ensure the safety of all road users.
