The escalating use of e-scooters and e-bikes has led to a significant increase in insurance payouts for related crashes, which have more than doubled in the last 12 months to approximately $110 million. This surge in incidents, including serious injuries and fatalities, has prompted calls for better regulation and even potential bans on the sale of these vehicles.
In one instance, Alison, whose name has been changed, sustained a broken pelvis, wrist, and finger, along with cuts and bruises, after being struck by an illegal private e-scooter while crossing a road in Coventry. The rider, Trevor Chandler, 47, fled the scene after the collision, despite having also broken his leg. He was later apprehended and sentenced to 15 months in prison, with his scooter destroyed.
Figures show that e-bikes have been linked to nearly 39,000 crimes and road crashes in the past three years, a 70% increase over the period. Some of these incidents have been fatal. In one case, 86-year-old Gloria Stephenson was killed by 19-year-old Billy Stokoe, who was riding an e-bike while under the influence of cannabis and using his phone. Stokoe was jailed for six years and nine months for causing death by dangerous driving.
The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB), responsible for settling e-bike injury claims, has advocated for more stringent regulation of e-scooter and e-bike sales, suggesting bans in certain cases due to the increasing risks. The MIB, a not-for-profit organization funded by insurance companies, has seen the number of claims rise substantially. The first e-scooter claim was made in 2019, and the first e-bike claim in 2020. Last year saw a record 168 claims lodged for both vehicle types.
Legally, these micromobility vehicles are classified as motor vehicles. However, they are often not treated as such in practice, with riders frequently using pavements and disregarding traffic laws. While e-scooters are permitted in areas with official trials, this applies only to vehicles managed by operators. Private e-scooters are restricted to private property. Police regularly seize e-scooters and modified e-bikes that exceed the legal speed limit of 15.5 mph.
Law Enforcement Liaison Officer at MIB, Hayley Sutcliffe, highlighted the financial impact of these incidents, stating that the compensation paid to victims affects all insurance policyholders. Police forces are receiving funding from the MIB to conduct enforcement operations targeting illegal micromobility vehicles. PC Tom Cordell of Staffordshire Police noted that many e-scooter owners are aware of the illegal nature of their use on public roads and pavements. The UK's Transport Secretary has previously indicated that new laws to regulate e-scooters could be introduced if parliamentary time allows.