Deadly e-scooter crash in Berlin exposes rising safety risks
E-scooter riders face a range of risks(symbolic image)Photo: Jens Büttner/dpa
Berlin (dpa/bb) – The risks of riding e-scooters are often underestimated, particularly by inexperienced users. "Our research shows there are two very distinct groups: Private owners tend to use their e-scooters regularly and are relatively skilled in handling them," Kirstin Zeidler, head of accident research at the German Insurance Association (GDV), told the German Press Agency.
"Those who only rent e-scooters are usually occasional riders. Some don't even realize they're operating a motor vehicle." Due to their relatively small wheels and higher weight, e-scooters can be unstable. "You really need to know how to control one," Zeidler warned, pointing to several recent accidents in Berlin.
In the past few weeks, the capital has seen multiple e-scooter crashes. Just last Friday evening, a 14-year-old girl riding an e-scooter died after colliding with a car in Berlin-Neukölln. She had been on the scooter with another girl of the same age, riding two to a vehicle.
E-scooter accidents on the rise
"E-scooters still account for only a small share of overall traffic accidents, but that number is rising sharply as their use increases," the expert noted. "The number of fatalities and serious injuries in e-scooter accidents has noticeably climbed." She strongly advised riders to wear helmets.
What else can be improved? "E-scooter riders should—and are permitted to—use bike lanes. And our own surveys show that's where they feel safest," Zeidler explained. "This means we also need a well-developed cycling infrastructure with safe intersections for e-scooter users." Accidents frequently occur at crossings.
Many e-scooter riders use sidewalks illegally
Another issue is that e-scooter riders don't always follow the rules: "They often ride on sidewalks when there's no bike lane or simply because they don't know better," Zeidler observed. If no bike lane is available, e-scooters must use the road—sidewalk riding is prohibited. "There's still a lot of ignorance about how to use e-scooters properly. Many people mistakenly treat them like toys."
Riding on sidewalks or traveling against traffic on the road are common causes of e-scooter accidents. "Alcohol is unfortunately another factor," the expert added.
"That's why we're calling for better traffic education in schools, expanded to cover micromobility—including e-scooters." She also advocated for scooter training programs with traditional kick scooters to help students develop the necessary motor skills.
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