Record increase in accidents with electric scooters

From the New Year to August 25, 104 accidents involving electric scooters, also called electric scooters, have been reported to the Swedish Transport Agency. It can be compared with the whole of 2018, when four accidents were reported.

- It has increased from nothing at all to a couple of cases a day, says Johan Raxell, chief medical officer at the SÖS emergency department.

As the electric scooter bicycles become more and more, the police also see a shortage of drivers.

- The problem is growing with availability. We see that drivers are not familiar with the traffic rules, some are not really sober, that adults go with children and that no one has helmets, says Peter Enell, Kungsholmen's municipal police.

Stockholm is the county in the country where most accidents have occurred, but there is a dark figure. Statistics from the Swedish Transport Agency are based on information reported by the police and medical services. At Södersjukhuset in Stockholm you can see that the injuries have increased.

- It's pretty much broken hands, arms and some shoulders. Then there is a lot of facial injuries and concussions. That's a pretty big increase, says Johan Raxell, chief medical officer at the hospital's emergency room.

The police also receive a lot of complaints that the electric scooters are on the streets and sidewalks.

- It is a huge problem and we have to tighten our supervision. It's full of electric scooters, but where do we start? We have to think about how we can handle them, says Peter Enell.

In 2018, a total of four accidents were reported, including two in December. At that time, not many electric scooters were exhibited on Stockholm's streets and squares. Now Peter Enell says he is trembling for the coming winter.

- Over the winter stood out for use in this dangerous weather and slipping. It's something that I don't think is really good.