Almost 500 Seriously Injured in E-Scooter Crashes in UK This Year as Safety Concerns Mount

New data shows that almost 500 people suffered serious injuries in e-scooter collisions across Great Britain during 2026, raising fresh concerns about the rapid growth of electric scooters on Britain's roads and pavements.

Rising casualties

Since 2019, a total of 63 deaths involving e-scooters have been recorded. Researchers found that e-scooter riders sustain more head and internal injuries than motorcyclists and cyclists. People aged 17 to 29 account for 23% of fatalities and 28% of all recorded e-scooter casualties, and males face disproportionately higher risk of severe injury.

Legal confusion

Safety campaigners warn that confusion over where e-scooters can legally operate — combined with inconsistent enforcement — has contributed to rising accident rates. Private e-scooters remain illegal on public roads and pavements in England and Wales, while rental schemes approved for trials are permitted in some areas, creating a patchwork of rules that many riders ignore.

Government response

The government has unveiled a road safety strategy aimed at cutting deaths and serious injuries on UK roads by 65% by 2035, with a specific target of reducing casualties involving children under 16 by 70%. The plan includes stronger enforcement, clearer rules on where e-scooters can be used, and improved safety standards for the devices.