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Are e-scooters safe? Accident statistics in UK
E-scooters were linked to nearly 1,400 casualties in Britain last year, new Department for Transport (DfT) figures reveal. That included one pedestrian death and 59 serious injuries, prompting charities to warn the vehicles are “fast, silent and unpredictable”.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) says their presence on pavements is creating particular anxiety for those with sight loss.
Meanwhile, children caught driving without insurance has soared 2,000% in the last year, with experts putting this down to the rise in e-scooters.
The laws around e-scooters are confusing, with use of privately-owned bikes on roads and pavements illegal, while legal trials, backed by the Government, continue.
E-scooter accident statistics
While most casualties from e-scooter crashes are riders themselves, other road users are increasingly affected, Government data shows.
In 2024, five e-scooter riders were killed, latest Department for Transport figures show.
A total of 1,390 people were killed or injured in e-scooter crashes last year, a slight increase from 1,387 in 2023, suggesting levels of harm have plateaued but remain consistently high.
Of those, 366 users were seriously injured, while 725 suffered minor injuries.
Pedestrians remain the next most at-risk group, with one being killed and 59 seriously injured. Another 158 suffered injuries in collisions last year.
Cyclists accounted for 47 casualties, while 12 car occupants and seven motorcyclists were also involved. This means nearly one in five of all e-scooter-related injuries affected people other than the rider.
Campaigners point out that the real number could be even greater, as not all incidents are reported to police or hospitals.
Alongside collisions, safety concerns are mounting over the fire risk posed by e-bikes and e-scooters.
By the end of September 2025, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) had already dealt with 165 blazes involving vehicles, putting the capital on track for a record 200 incidents this year.
Four people have died in e-bike fires – all of them unrelated to owning or riding the bike involved – after lithium batteries caught alight.
Fires involving lithium batteries - which are used for e-bikes and e-scooters - can spread rapidly and produce a toxic vapour.
Investigators say the problem is often linked to poorly made or unregulated batteries, chargers and conversion kits sold via online marketplaces.
Pamela Oparaocha, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: "Fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters are worryingly common in London.
"Since the beginning of 2023, we have attended a fire, on average, every other day, and some of these fires have destroyed homes and claimed lives."
| Casualty type | Fatalities | Seriously injured | Slightly injured |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-scooter riders | 5 | 366 | 725 |
| Pedestrians | 1 | 59 | 158 |
| Cyclists | – | – | 47 |
| Car occupants | – | – | 12 |
| Motorcyclists | – | – | 7 |
| Total | 6 | 425 | 949 |
Are e-scooters legal in UK?
Despite their visibility on city streets, privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on UK public roads, cycle lanes and pavements. They are only permitted on private land with the landowner’s consent.
Rental e-scooters are legal in trial areas across England, but even these cannot be used on pavements. The Government first authorised trials in July 2020, yet five years on, Britain is still in limbo over permanent regulation.
When will private e-scooters be legal in UK?
The Government has repeatedly signalled its intention to regulate e-scooters, but there is still no confirmed timeline. Rental trials have been extended again into 2026, with no final decision on how or when private e-scooters might be allowed.
Proposals have included mandatory insurance, minimum safety standards and even a driving test-style requirement for riders. Until legislation is passed, however, police retain powers to seize and fine private e-scooter riders caught using them illegally.
E-scooter insurance
At present, rental e-scooters are covered by operators’ insurance. But private riders have no legal option to insure their scooters, since they are not permitted for road use.
Road safety charity IAM Roadsmart found there had been a 2,100% increase in children aged 13-16 caught driving or riding without insurance in the last four years.
Just 17 children were caught driving without insurance in 2021, soaring to 375 in 2024. The increased use of e-scooters is thought to be why.
This lack of clarity has raised safety and compensation concerns. According to personal injury law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, hundreds of pedestrians injured in collisions have faced hurdles pursuing claims, as private users are riding uninsured vehicles.
If regulation goes ahead, it is likely insurance will become mandatory. That could resemble motor insurance, where third-party liability is a minimum requirement. Campaigners argue this is essential to protect both riders and the public.
How fast does an e-scooter go?
Most rental e-scooters in the UK are capped at 15.5mph, in line with European standards. However, private models, widely available online, can reach speeds of 30mph or more.
This can make collisions particularly dangerous, especially when scooters are used on pavements. Combined with their near-silent operation, they can catch pedestrians off guard, contributing to the growing number of injuries.
RNIB policy lead Erik Matthies said: “E-scooters are fast, silent and unpredictable, often ridden on pavements and in other pedestrian areas. Even if a blind or partially sighted pedestrian hasn’t yet had a collision or near-miss, the increased risk can lead them to limit their walking journeys.”
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