An e-scooter rider, injured when overtaking a bus in London, could be used as a test case to establish liability rules for e-scooters being driven illegally on public roads. The e-scooter driver suffered multiple rib fractures, a dislocated shoulder and a collapsed lung due to the accident.
The law current states that’s private e-scooter, excluding those that can be hired through official schemes - can only be driven on private land. This prevents a injury claim against a motorist being brought by any rider on a public road.
The injured rider was wearing a hi-visibility jacket, a helmet and took reasonable precautions to ride his e-scooter safely when the accident occurred. A cyclist with similar injuries would be able to make a personal injury claim - therefore clarification is required.
The Departure for Transport estimates that there are currently 750,000 private e-scooters owned across England following recent surveys results. In 2020 there were 484 casualties reported in road accidents involving at least one e-scooter and 530 casualties reported in the first 6 months of 2021.
It will be interesting to note whether this case can provide clarity to the legal position for those injured in accidents involving privately owned e-scooters. However, legislative action could be taken to enable those injured access to compensation.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a road traffic accident, our personal injury solicitors can help you to claim compensation.
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