- New rules to help e-scooter accidents increase
Due to the increasing use of E-scooters, there is also an increase in accidents involving these small electric vehicles. In the first six months of this year, the number of accidents in Baden-Württemberg increased significantly to 583, which is 29 percent more than in the first half of last year. Two people died, 43 were seriously injured, and a further 398 were slightly injured, according to the Ministry of the Interior. It is important to keep an eye on E-scooters due to the increasing numbers, said Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU).
According to the traffic accident statistics, people with E-scooters were involved in 1,098 traffic accidents in Baden-Württemberg last year, which was then around 23 percent more than the previous year. Three people died in these accidents.
Looking at the nationwide figures, the Federal Statistical Office names the most common causes of accidents as incorrect use of the road or sidewalks. Almost as common was driving under the influence of alcohol as the cause of the accident. Particularly many accidents occur in large cities.
New rules planned
In light of the criticism of the behavior of E-scooter drivers, the federal government is planning new rules. The Federal Ministry of Transport has submitted a draft for amending the Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung. An example is the mandatory turn signals from the beginning of 2027. According to the ministry, the draft also contains the proposal that the release of sidewalks or pedestrian zones with the additional sign "Radverkehr frei" should also apply to E-scooters. As before, a speed of walking pace should be maintained and particular consideration should be given to pedestrian traffic. However, the final say will be with the municipalities.
It will still take some time for the new regulations to be implemented. The Foot pedestrian association Fuss criticized the plans, and the ADAC also called for improvements. The association spoke generally of a "rough attack" on pedestrians. Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) wants to allow E-scooters on more sidewalks and in more pedestrian zones, and also wants to abolish the previously prescribed minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking pedestrians. Above all, rental E-scooters are often driven dangerously and chaotically. From the point of view of the ADAC, the lack of victim protection remains a central problem that is not taken into account.
Two deaths after falls
In Baden-Württemberg, a 25-year-old recently died after falling off his E-scooter. He was traveling on a foot and cycle path in Hügelsheim in the district of Rastatt when he lost his balance and fell. In Eberhardzell (district of Biberach), a 35-year-old scooter rider also died when he fell on a slippery road in mid-March.
More accidents, fewer injured and dead
Otherwise, according to statistics, drivers in Baden-Württemberg continue to put their foot down on the roads, ignore right of way, and talk on the phone. Many also get behind the wheel of their car drunk. The result: There were slightly more accidents on the roads, with dozens of people dying this year alone. However, despite the increasing risk of accidents, the number of injured and traffic fatalities is slightly decreasing.
According to the accident statistics, there were 151,537 accidents in the first half of this year, which is 1.1 percent more than in the first six months of last year. A total of 16,715 people were slightly injured (down 0.8 percent) and 2,805 were seriously injured (down 3.8 percent). A further 160 people died, which is 5 fewer than in the first half of 2022.
Primary cause of road accidents, according to the Ministry of the Interior, is once again excessive speed. It is cited as the cause in 38% of cases. Inadequate driving skills, for instance due to alcohol, disregarding right of way, and simply distraction also led to accidents. According to statistics, 58 people died in the first six months due to speeding.
The Ministry of Interior identifies excessive speed as the primary cause of road accidents, accounting for 38% of cases, followed by inadequate driving skills due to alcohol, disregarding right of way, and distraction. (Primary cause of road accidents)
To address the issue of dangerous E-scooter use, the federal government is planning new regulations, including the proposal for E-scooters to use sidewalks and pedestrian zones with a "Radverkehr frei" sign, but the final say will be with the municipalities. (New rules planned for E-scooters)
