E-scooter accidents and fatalities have surged to record highs as their use has become more common in German cities, according to new statistics. How many accidents are there and how can riders stay safe?
The number of e-scooter accidents jumped up by 26.7 percent last year.
German police recorded 11,944 e-scooter accidents with people injured or killed – up from 9,425 in 2023.
Approximately 1,500 people suffered serious injuries and an additional 11,400 sustained minor injuries in 2024. The figures also include 27 fatalities, five more than in 2023.
The number of e-scooters on German roads has increased rapidly in recent years. Private ownership climbed by 37 percent during 2024 and rental scooters have steadily more ubiquitous in German cities.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) suggests that poor driving is also a crucial factor behind the rise in accidents.
Incorrect use of the road – primarily riding on pavements – was cited in 21.2 percent of incidents. Alcohol played a role in 12.4 percent of e-scooter accidents, a significantly higher proportion than among cyclists (7.8 percent) and moped riders (5.9 percent).
Inappropriate speed and a failure to yield were also cited as contributing factors.
Nearly half of scooter riders involved in accidents were under 25, and 82 percent were under 45.
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Riders aged 65 and over made up just 3.3 percent of people involved in accidents, reflecting lower usage rates in older age groups. By contrast, bicycle accident victims skew older: only 21.4 percent are under 25, and 20.5 percent are aged 65 or older.
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Notably, users of rental e-scooters are much more frequently involved in accidents. They tend to be younger and less experienced, often ride without helmets and are more likely to flout rules, such as riding on pavements or after consuming alcohol.
How to stay safe
Based on accident statistics, the most effective steps riders can take to protect themselves are clear.
Stay sober: Alcohol-related incidents account for a disproportionate number of accidents. E-scooters are subject to the same 0.5 percent blood alcohol limit as car drivers, but under-21s and new drivers must observe a zero-alcohol policy.
Follow traffic rules: Use bike lanes where possible. If that’s not possible, e-scooter riders are obliged to use the road. Riding on pavements is not permitted.
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Wear a helmet: It’s not technically required, but helmet use is much higher among private scooter owners and correlates with lower accident rates.
Avoid carrying passengers: Only one person is permitted to use an e-scooter at a time, but the number of accidents involving passengers is rising.