Scooters And One Wheels

Not an enormous spike in Norfolk e-scooter crashes

Released:
1:19 pm November 29, 2021

Updated:
1:24 pm November 29, 2021

The testing of e-scooter rental programs in Norfolk has not resulted in a large increase in the number of casualties, it turns out.

According to government figures, there were nine reported victims in accidents with e-scooters in the year to June 2021.

Though three times the number of people last year, this is fewer than many similar counties, despite scooter rental programs running in Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

Norfolk Police have seized e-scooters and reported traffic offenses to drivers who break the law.
– Credit: PA

However, the figures from the Ministry of Transport, which are based on preliminary data from the police, are likely to underestimate the actual number of accidents.

In April, in a Freedom of Information request, Norfolk Constabulary said there had been 120 reports of e-scooter incidents in the past 12 months, including a person using a trailer to pull a trailer at 60 mph and Drivers caught under the influence of alcohol.

Police said incidents involving e-scooters, including a person pulling a trailer at 60 mph and getting drivers drunk with alcohol.
– Credit: Policing Fenland

In 2020, 931 people were injured, 253 seriously, and three e-scooter drivers were killed in accidents across the UK across the country.

More than two thirds of the injured were e-scooter drivers. However, concerns have been expressed about the exposure to pedestrians.

Among the injured in Norfolk was Clare, who chose not to disclose her last name, who was walking on Coslany Street in Norwich in July when she was hit by an e-scooter.

She was smeared with blood with facial injuries and said more action was needed to tackle illegal scooter use.

Clare was hit by an e-scooter and had bruises and a bleeding nose.
– Credit: Submitted

“I’m so grateful it could have been worse,” she said. “What really shook me was if that had been a child or a dog a tiny fraction farther out, they would have been dead.

“He couldn’t control it. I can see it killing someone. It’s only a matter of time.”

E-scooter tests are currently taking place in 50 cities and towns across the UK, with the government to decide on their future use when it ends in March 2022.

E-scooter trails take place in Norwich and Great Yarmouth.
– Photo credit: KATE WOLSTENHOLME

Earlier this month, Norfolk Police issued a reminder of the laws surrounding electric scooters with the devices forecast to be popular Christmas gifts.

Those rented through rental programs are the only e-scooters allowed on the streets. Privately owned scooters are only allowed on private property and must not be driven on streets, sidewalks, or other public places.

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