Although riding an electric scooter may seem like a convenient way to get around for your daily commute, city exploration, or errands, I strongly advise against it. E-scooters can pose significant risks, and my personal experience of having an accident on one solidified my stance on their dangers.
During a weekend getaway in 2021 when I was 25, my fiancé and I decided to visit Liverpool after the Covid restrictions had eased. As a place filled with cherished memories from my university days, we spent the day exploring Sefton Park on e-scooters.
While initially enjoying the city views, things took a drastic turn later in the evening. Renting e-scooters again, we found ourselves in a semi-pedestrian area near Liverpool One. Suddenly, my scooter surged to high speeds, causing me to fall off.
Thankfully, I escaped with minor injuries and a cracked phone screen protector, but the incident made me realize the potential severity of such accidents.
E-scooters can reach speeds of up to 15.5mph, which might not sound fast but can be extremely dangerous without proper protection or a helmet.
In the UK, there are strict regulations regarding electric scooters. Privately owned e-scooters are illegal on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes, while government-approved rental e-scooters can be used in designated trial areas.
Concerns about the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters are widespread, with a recent survey by Tiger.co.uk revealing that 61% of Britons find them too risky, and 44% believe they should be banned entirely.
According to the Department of Transport, there were 1,312 e-scooter-related collisions in 2024, resulting in 1,390 casualties and six fatalities. By 2025, the number of deaths had risen to ten, as reported by The Guardian.
These statistics highlight the grave dangers associated with e-scooters, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among the public, both riders, and pedestrians.
Tragic incidents like the one involving 14-year-old Jacob Calland, who suffered fatal injuries in a collision while riding on an e-scooter, underscore the critical need for education and safety measures.
Jacob’s mother, Carly Calland, established Jacob’s Journey to educate others about the risks of illegal e-scooter use on public roads, advocating for mandatory helmet use and other safety precautions.
Carly’s campaign also calls for licensing and insurance requirements for e-scooter riders, similar to those for motor vehicles, and prohibits two individuals from riding on a single e-scooter.
Until stricter regulations are in place, the likelihood of more accidents remains a concern. Before riding an e-scooter, it is crucial to assess the risks and adhere to all relevant safety guidelines. For detailed information, visit the government website.