As e-scooters are piloted across many of our cities, the use of the same divides public opinion. There have been many recent news reports highlighting the rising number of incidents, near misses and safety concerns. Most recently in Liverpool, where 400 scooters are available for hire, a new safety group has been formed to monitor injuries observed by local hospitals.
E- scooters have risen in popularity but are they legal? Privately owned scooters cannot be ridden on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements but can be used on private land with permission of the landowner. E-scooters hired in some of our city centres, as part of the pilot scheme, may be ridden on public roads but not pavements.
In order to hire a scooter under one of the many pilot schemes, you must have either a UK provisional or full driving licence. The cost of hire includes insurance. Standard safety instructions are provided. Somewhat bizarrely, helmets are recommended rather than compulsory.
The use of e-scooters offers a cost effective and energy efficient source of travel, helps ease congestion and alleviates over crowding on public transport, a particular concern during the pandemic.
Not withstanding the environmental appeal, there are clear issues. E-scooter riders do not need any prior experience and the obvious lack of protection means they are vulnerable road users.
E-scooters move quickly, are relatively quiet, do not have indicators, mirrors or
sufficient lighting and like cycles/motorbikes are not as visible making them vulnerable to collisions with other road users. With small wheels unsuited to uneven surfaces, road conditions such as pot holes and the like similarly pose a threat to the unwary e-scooter rider.
Speed, inexperience or misuse of e-scooters pose a very real danger to others too, particularly pedestrians. Although riders are asked to be considerate E-scooters, forming part of the pilot schemes, can be left anywhere on the pavements when not in use creating a hazard for our most vulnerable pedestrians.
So, what if you have been involved in an e-scooter incident? Depending on the type of incident there may be a legal remedy. If you have been injured, seek medical attention; report the accident to the police & hire/insurance provider if applicable; obtain details of any witnesses; take photographs of the scene, damage to vehicles, potholes etc (if the cause of your accident); check to see if there is CCTV covering the area of your accident; seek legal advice.
Contact CAPA LAW Solicitors on 0151 662 0345 or email enquiry@capalaw.co.uk to see how we can help. All of our claims are accepted on a No Win No Fee arrangement and every case is dealt with by a Partner specialising in Personal Injury Litigation.
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