How Dangerous Are Electric Scooters, Really?
While e-scooter accidents are on the rise, they are still a fraction of those involving cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles. Let's delve into the data and see what the numbers say.
Electric kick scooters have become a common sight in cities across Slovenia and Europe. Their popularity has soared, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. However, this rise has been met with a wave of media attention, with outlets like RTV and 24ur often portraying e-scooters as a significant danger on our roads. But is the electric scooter itself the problem, or are other factors at play? Let's delve into the data and see what the numbers say.
A Look at the Numbers: Crashes and Fatalities in Slovenia (2019-2023)
To understand the real picture, it's essential to compare the accident and fatality rates of e-scooters with other common modes of transport. The tables below provide a side-by-side comparison for Slovenia over the past five years.
| Year | Cars | Motorcycles | Bicycles | E-Scooters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ~6,000 | ~1,000 | ~1,350 | Negligible |
| 2020 | 4,780 | ~900 | ~1,200 | <50 |
| 2021 | 5,330 | 1,056 | ~1,350 | 109 [4] |
| 2022 | 5,983 | 1,161 | 1,484 | 231 [4] |
| 2023 | ~6,013 | ~1,200 | ~1,400 | ~238 |
| Year | Car Occupants | Motorcyclists | Cyclists | E-Scooter Riders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ~53 | ~18 | 9 | 0 |
| 2020 | ~41 | ~16 | 8 | 0 |
| 2021 | 46 | 33 | 15 | 1 |
| 2022 | 30 | 14 | 11 | 2 [2] |
| 2023 | 45 | ~12 | <11 | 0 |
It's Not the Scooter, It's the Behavior
The data clearly shows that while e-scooter accidents are on the rise, they are still a fraction of those involving cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles. The increase in accidents can be largely attributed to the surge in e-scooter popularity and usage. More scooters on the road will statistically lead to more incidents.
However, the real issue isn't the e-scooter itself, but how it's used. A significant portion of e-scooter accidents are caused by rider error and disregard for traffic regulations. The Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency has noted that common causes of accidents include speeding, not yielding the right of way, and riding under the influence. In 2022, e-scooter riders were at fault in 66% of the accidents they were involved in. [4] This highlights a crucial point: responsible riding is key to safety.
It's also important to note that many e-scooter accidents are single-vehicle incidents, where the rider is the only one injured. [1] This is in stark contrast to accidents involving cars, which are more likely to result in injury or death to other road users. E-scooters, with their lower speeds and lighter weight, pose a significantly smaller threat to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
The Benefits of E-Scooters
Beyond the discussion of safety, it's crucial to remember why e-scooters have become so popular in the first place. They offer a multitude of benefits for individuals and cities:
- Eco-Friendly: E-scooters produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution in our cities. [5]
- Reduced Congestion: Every e-scooter on the road is potentially one less car, helping to ease traffic jams and free up road space. [1]
- Cost-Effective: E-scooters are cheaper to own and operate than a car, with no fuel costs and minimal maintenance. [5]
- Convenient: They are perfect for short to medium-distance journeys, allowing riders to bypass traffic and park with ease. [5]
- Last-Mile Solution: E-scooters are an excellent solution for the "last mile" of a commute, bridging the gap between public transport and a final destination. [5]
Conclusion: A Call for Responsible Riding
The narrative that paints electric scooters as inherently dangerous is an oversimplification. The data shows that while there are risks, as with any mode of transport, these are often exaggerated when compared to other vehicles. The focus should shift from demonizing e-scooters to promoting responsible ridership and improving infrastructure to safely accommodate all road users.
As more people choose e-scooters for their daily commute, it is a positive step towards greener, less congested cities. By following traffic laws, wearing a helmet, and being mindful of others, we can all enjoy the benefits of this innovative mode of transport safely.
Sources (APA Style)
- European Commission. (2024). *Road safety thematic report – Personal Mobility Devices*. European Road Safety Observatory.
- Zavarovalnica Triglav. (2023, May 25). *Riding an e-scooter correctly, with sufficient knowledge and skill*.
- Dnevnik. (2022, October 5). *Za varnost kolesarjev in pešcev moramo poskrbeti vsi*.
- Zavod Vozim. (2023, June 4). *Electric scooters are increasing in popularity, causing an increasing number of traffic accidences and injuries*.
- Glide & Gear. (2024, May 22). *Electric Scooters Are Revolutionising Urban Transport*.
- ElectroTraveller. (2025, February 18). *Benefits Of Riding An Electric Scooter*.
- European Transport Safety Council. (2023, June). *17th Annual Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) Report*.
- International Transport Forum. (2023). *Road Safety Annual Report 2023*.
