According to figures from the Antwerp’s ZAS hospital group, accidents involving e-scooters account for an average of 1 admission to A&E every 8 hours. Half of those treated have been so badly injured that they have to have time off work as a result. Doctors are calling on the government to tighten the rules on the use of electric scooters.
Antwerp hospitals’ A&E departments treat 3 people a day for injuries sustained in e-scooter accidents
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In the 1.5 years between 1 July 2022 and 1 January 2024 the hospitals that make up the ZAS hospital group treated 1,580 patients for e-scooter-related injuries. This is more than 1,000 per annum or around 3 cases per day.
Most of injuries (80%) were caused by people falling from their e-scooters. 90% of those injured in e-scooter accidents were driving the scooter themselves, with 10% being pedestrians, cyclists or other road-users.
Doctors are now calling for stricter rules on e-scooters. These would include including power limits similar to those in force for electric bikes, a speed cap of 20 km/h, and the mandatory wearing of a crash helmet by those riding electric scooters. The medical profession believes that these measures could significantly reduce the number of serious injuries among e-scooter users.
Men account for 62% of those injured in e-scooter accidents. People aged between 25 and 34 are the age demographic most likely to be injured in an e-scooter accident. They’re followed by those aged 15-24. The law already states that it is illegal to ride an e-scooter under the age of 16.