New UK E-scooters Rules amid Safety Concerns
Posted on 11th August 2021
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Our e-scooter claims solicitors have been following the worrying trends in e-scooter accidents, and e-scooter injuries in the UK in recent months. So too, it seems, have local authorities across the country, such as Liverpool City Council. The authority has become so concerned about the amount of road traffic accidents occurring involving electric scooters in the city that they have resorted to implementing new safety measures in hope of combatting the problem. Read on to see the new rules explained, and MG Legal’s top tips on electric scooter safety.
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What are the new electric scooter rules in Liverpool, UK?
Liverpool City Council have introduced a number of new rules on riding an electric scooter in Liverpool that came into force last week. These new rules include:
Clear, painted parking bays for electric scooters in Liverpool, available across the city
Specific ‘no riding zones’ in areas considered to be highly congested and at risk for electric scooter accidents
Time limits- the electric scooters will be banned from 21:00 onwards on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday across the city
Liverpool city mayor, Steve Rotheram, hopes that the new electric scooter rules will ‘try to address some of the worries’ that he has.
Do you need a licence for electric scooter?
In order to rent an electric scooter in the UK, you must hold a full or a provisional driving licence. For more information on this, see here.
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter?
In line with government guidance, you should wear a cycle helmet when riding an electric scooter in the UK. This has not been made an official legal requirement, but our specialist electric scooter accident solicitors would always recommend to do so.
Electric scooters ride in close proximity to cars, motorcycles, and other road users, who are going much faster, and are much more protected than an electric scooter rider.
Over 1/3 of all electric scooter accidents involve some form of head trauma and head injury, the results of which can be catastrophic for the victim.
What causes electric scooter accidents?
Other road users- Unsurprisingly, a large number of serious electric scooter accidents, resulting in serious injuries, involve another vehicle and another road user, such as a car, motorcycle, or lorry. As an electric scooter rider, with no protection from the vehicle, and no requirement to wear any protective equipment, you are very vulnerable to injury in an accident. Our specialist electric scooter accident solicitors are well too aware of the risks that other road users pose to electric scooter riders, and while an accident might not be your fault as the e-scooter rider, it is likely that you may come out worse in terms of injuries. Because of this, it is important to always stay within designated lanes and pathways, stick to the speed limits, wear safety equipment, and indicate properly to other road users.
Potholes and uneven road surfaces- In comparison to other road users and vehicles, electric scooters have a limited handling capability. This makes e-scooter riders particularly susceptible to any potholes or other uneven road surfaces. Any small jolts and vibrations could result in a rider, especially an inexperienced one, being thrown off the handlebars and losing control of the electric scooter. This is a very real risk, and one that our electric scooter accident solicitors would advise you to always keep in mind. If you have been injured while riding an electric scooter, due to a pothole or an uneven road surface, then you could be entitled to financial compensation in the form of a personal injury claim against the council or local authority. See more on this, here.
Make a NO WIN NO FEE Electric scooter injury claim:
If you have been injured while riding an electric scooter, whether it was in a road traffic accident with another vehicle, or due to a pothole, then you could be entitled to financial compensation. MG Legal’s personal injury solicitors specialise in electric scooter claims, and are the best team to take on your claim and get your financial compensation. Browse our website to learn more about our team, and get in touch, here, to get your claim started today.
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