During the warm season, the number of electric scooters on the streets increases. The developed rental sector in the largest cities of Latvia makes this vehicle easily accessible. Unfortunately, as the number of electric scooters increases, so does the number of accidents involving them. This year, the first cases have already been recorded, and most often they are bone fractures, the treatment costs of which can reach up to 1000 euros, according to If Insurance statistics.
There are many ways in which damage can be done
This vehicle, which reaches a relatively high speed, drives quietly, so pedestrians often cannot hear it and may not notice it. Electric scooter drivers themselves often maneuver fearlessly between people or cars and may not be able to react quickly enough when obstacles arise. Sometimes the accident is also caused by the poor technical condition of the electric scooter, worn brakes or worn wheels, or an explosion of the electric scooter battery and charging problems.
“As the number of electric scooters increases, so does the frequency of accidents. Electric scooter drivers are often injured by losing control of their vehicle. We have mostly registered losses related to accident insurance when injuries to electric scooters themselves have been injured. For example, this year there have already been cases when victims have suffered fractures of the wrist, heel, as well as the collarbone. And the costs of medical treatment for injuries sustained in an accident range from 500 to 1,000 euros, depending on the injuries suffered, ”comments Inga Draule, senior compensation regulator.
People not only suffer injuries themselves, but also damage the surrounding property. Sometimes the drivers of electric scooters do not notice the car, collide with it and thus cause damage. There are also opposite situations when the driver does not notice the electric scooter and therefore cannot stop.
According to the If expert, the popularity of electric scooters is constantly growing, but it will take time to get used to them and become part of the road traffic culture. “Electric scooters themselves are no longer a surprise, but how to integrate them into everyday urban road traffic is still a challenge. Some cities around the world have introduced various restrictions banning the use of electric scooters on the sidewalks, but in general, a model is still being sought to ensure greater safety for this “green”, practical but rather dangerous vehicle, “says I. Draule.
Liability for damages and dangers
Electric scooters often run on pedestrians and injure them or damage other vehicles. If the culprit is the person who rode the electric scooter, this person will have to be reimbursed from their own funds, unless they have civil liability insurance.
In the case of electric scooters, which qualify as sports equipment and have a speed not exceeding 25 km / h, the road traffic regulations stipulate: not to drive on the carriageway if there is a bicycle lane nearby, to hold the hand with both hands, not to carry passengers, and when driving on the sidewalk, choose the speed according to the speed of pedestrians, which is on average 3-7 km / h. A helmet is not mandatory, but is recommended as it can protect against more serious injuries and sometimes even save lives.
I. Draule, in view of the increasing number of accidents and their nature, highlights the following tips for electric scooter drivers:
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Always be careful! You feel like you see and you see everything, that’s fine, but it may not be. Constant vigilance and caution is the main way to prevent accidents.
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Stop when crossing a carriageway or pedestrian crossing! When riding an electric scooter, people often enjoy speed, sometimes even listening to music and forgetting about everything around them. However, there may be an unexpected obstacle on the road – a car or a pedestrian.
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Reduce your speed when passing pedestrians! When pedestrians appear, electric scooter drivers are often frightened, rapidly changing direction and worrying. This poses a danger to both parties.
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Make sure that young people wear guards and remember that you can ride an electric scooter from the age of 14 and you need a driving license. There have been several accidents in which children are injured or damage the property of others while riding an electric scooter.
If Insurance
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