Uninsurable E-scooters could be safety hazard on our streets

Cycle SOS, the UK's leading cycling accident claims specialists, is raising awareness about the safety hazards and legal implications of uninsured eScooters on our streets.

Manchester, England, United Kingdom - July 19, 2023 /PR Fire/ —

Materials Considered: Recommendations on Safety of E-Scooters European Transport Safety Council, and Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety Report. 

Cycle SOS, the UK's leading cycling accident claims specialists, is raising awareness about the safety hazards and legal implications of uninsured eScooters on our streets.

In the bustling streets of the UK, a new form of transportation has emerged, capturing the attention of commuters and leisure-seekers alike. E-scooters, with their sleek design and eco-friendly appeal, have become a common sight, zipping through traffic and parked in clusters on pavements. Their rise in popularity is undeniable, offering a novel solution to urban mobility and a fun alternative to traditional modes of transport.

However, this surge in eScooters has not come without its drawbacks. As more people take to the streets on these two-wheeled devices, accidents involving eScooters have seen a significant increase. From minor scrapes to serious injuries, the safety concerns surrounding eScooters are growing, prompting a need for greater awareness and regulation.

To June 2022, there were 1349 reported collisions involving E-scooters, a 27% increase over the previous period. Over 1,000 involved a third party. There were 342 third party casualties among a total casualty figure of 1437, i.e., 23% of collisions caused injury to someone other than the rider. 11 riders and one third party were killed.

Those injured are almost always pedestrians and cyclists.

Navigating the legal landscape of E-scooter usage is difficult, to say the least. On the one hand, only those E-scooters sanctioned under the Trials authorised by the Electric Scooter Trials & Traffic Signs Regulations 2020 are legal to ride on the highway, offering a green alternative to cars and public transport. On the other hand, every other E-scooter is being used illegally, so insuring those vehicles is a near-impossible task, creating a paradox that leaves riders and pedestrians alike in a precarious position.

A legally sanctioned E-scooter may only be ridden by a person aged 16 or over holding at least a provisional licence. A helmet is not required. The machines must not be capable of exceeding 15.5mph, must not weigh over 55kg and have a motor not exceeding 500-watt power output (double that of e-bikes) 

This legal grey area has far-reaching implications. While an E-scooter sanctioned under the Trial carries third party insurance, all the illegally ridden ones do not. Without insurance, riders are liable for any accidents, injuries, and other losses they cause - a risk many are unaware of when they hop onto an E-scooter. For victims of E-scooter accidents, the lack of insurance can make claiming compensation a complex and often fruitless endeavour, because the rider (even if identifiable) is unlikely to have any financial resources, so the claim will go to the Motor Insurers Bureau which compensates the victims of uninsured and untraced motorists.

In light of the risks posed by uninsured eScooters, it's more important than ever to protect yourself. One way to do this is establish if your Home and Contents or any bespoke Cycle Insurance has an Unsatisfied Judgement Recovery provision, although to pursue a claim, the identity and address of the erring scooter rider will be a prerequisite. These coverages can provide a safety net in the event of an accident with an uninsured E-scooter, covering medical expenses and other costs.

However, insurance is not a catch-all solution. While it can provide financial protection, it cannot prevent accidents from happening in the first place. As such, it's crucial for all road users to practise safe driving and riding habits, and for E-scooter riders to ensure they understand and follow the rules of the road. 

If you're involved in an E-scooter accident, it's crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. The preservation of evidence is key in these cases, and a swift response can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim. Whether it's photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, or medical records, every piece of evidence can strengthen your case, but most important, the identity, etc of the rider, who (unfortunately) may only be interested in fleeing the scene.

However, dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, and you may not know where to start. This is where Cycle SOS can help. Bob Coupland, Head of Bike Claims at Cycle SOS, says, "Our mission is to ensure that every cyclist has the support they need in the event of an accident. With the rise of E-scooters, we're seeing a new set of challenges on our roads. We're here to help navigate these challenges and advocate for safer streets for all."

From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, Cycle SOS will handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your recovery. For more information about Cycle SOS and the support they offer, visit https://www.cycle-sos.co.uk/. 

Contact Info:
Name: Kyle Clifford
Email: Send Email
Organization: Gorilla Marketing
Website: https://gorilla.marketing/

Source: PR Fire

Release ID: 89102757

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