Increase in e-scooter related accidents in Gwent since last year, reveals data

Gwent: The number of e-scooter accidents has really shot up since last year. According to new data, there were nine accidents reported by Gwent Police in 2023. That’s a jump from eight the previous year and just one back in 2020 when records started.

The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) is sounding the alarm, saying we need to crack down on the illegal use of private e-scooters on the roads. They’re worried that as more e-scooters hit the streets, the chances of accidents will only go up.

Last year, across the UK, there were 1,387 e-scooter-related accidents, which is a drop from 1,502 in 2022. But it’s still a big increase from 484 in 2020. Out of all those accidents, 1,117 involved e-scooter users, with 105 being rental riders. Sadly, six people lost their lives, all of whom were e-scooter riders.

Road safety spokesperson for the RAC, Dennis, mentioned that while e-scooters can help people get around, they also add to the chaos on the roads. He stressed the importance of making sure riders know how to handle them safely.

A UK Government spokesperson added that safety is a top priority in their e-scooter trials. They’ve set standards for e-scooter design and have rules about speed limits and insurance. However, private e-scooters are still illegal on public roads, and the government is backing the police to enforce this.