- The number of e-scooter accidents has again risen sharply
Due to the increasing use of E-Scooters, accidents involving these small electric vehicles are also on the rise. In the first six months of this year, the number of accidents in Baden-Württemberg increased significantly to 583, a 29 percent increase from the first half of last year. Two people lost their lives, 43 were seriously injured, and another 398 were lightly injured, according to the Ministry of the Interior. Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) emphasized the importance of keeping an eye on E-Scooters due to these rising numbers. His ministry will present further figures on the traffic accident statistics later on.
Last year, people in Baden-Württemberg were involved in 1,098 traffic accidents with E-Scooters, which was then around 23 percent more than the previous year. Three people died in these accidents. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the most common causes of accidents nationwide are incorrect use of the road or sidewalk, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Particularly many accidents occur in large cities.
New rules planned
In light of the criticism of the behavior of E-Scooter riders, the federal government is planning new rules. The Federal Ministry of Transport has submitted a draft for amending the Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung, which includes mandatory turn signals from the beginning of 2027. According to the ministry, the draft also proposes that the opening of sidewalks or pedestrian zones with the additional sign "Radverkehr frei" should also apply to E-Scooters. As before, a speed limit of walking speed should be observed and particular consideration should be given to pedestrian traffic. The final decision lies with the municipalities.
However, 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 ADAC's point of view, the lack of victim protection remains a central problem that is not addressed.
Two deaths from falls
In Baden-Württemberg, a 25-year-old died recently 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 in mid-March when he fell on a slippery road.
The need for improved safety measures in the use of E-Scooters is being highlighted in discussions related to transport and telecommunications, given the increase in accidents and casualties. The Federal Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications is proposing new regulations to address these concerns, such as mandating turn signals and changing sidewalk and pedestrian zone rules for E-Scooters.
