Two-thirds of Brits want e-scooters taken off the roads for good

My foot was hanging by a thread after e-scooter crash — now I want them BANNED

• Cancer survivor Luke Barratt, 32, nearly severed his foot after e-scooter crash
• More than two thirds of Brits want e-scooters banned, MailOnline can reveal 
• READ MORE: E-scooter deaths TRIPLE in a year and crashes up by 38 per cent

A cancer survivor who nearly lost his foot in a brutal e-scooter accident is one of the millions in the UK calling for them to be banned from the streets, MailOnline can reveal.

Two-thirds of Brits want e-scooters banned from public roads, while three-quarters think a driving licence and insurance should be a requirement to use one, a survey by the National Accident Helpline found. 

Cancer survivor Luke Barratt, from Barnsley, was in remission for leukaemia when he was struck with life-changing injuries after an e-scooter accident on October 26, 2021.

The 32-year-old’s mobility had been limited by his leukaemia but he hoped using an e-scooter would mean he could visit family living nearby.

However, while riding the scooter he misjudged the kerb and was thrown to the floor. His right foot was almost completely torn off from his ankle.

Cancer survivor Luke Barratt, 32, from Barnsley, nearly severed his right foot (pictured) after an e-scooter crash

Mr Barratt (pictured) endured multiple emergency surgeries that lasted for hours as doctors saved his foot

After the crash, Mr Barratt said: ‘I tried to get back on it at first, but then I realised my leg was in one place and my foot was in another’

He revealed he remained in pain after the surgery and called for e-scooter to be banned from British roads

He is one of millions in the UK calling for them to be taken off the streets, MailOnline can reveal (File image)

Passersby rushed to help him and he was brought to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.

There, he endured multiple emergency surgeries that lasted for hours as doctors saved his foot.

‘I wasn’t aware exactly how quick it went and what the consequences would be,’ Luke told the Barnsley Chronicle.

‘I tried to get back on it at first, but then I realised my leg was in one place and my foot was in another.

‘I’m still in pain. I wouldn’t wish the pain on my worst enemy.’

The number of deaths in e-scooter crashes has tripled in the last year on record and crashes have gone up 38 per cent from 978 to 1,349

The reported number of casualties in collisions involving e-scooters rocketed in the UK in 2021, the last year on record

The most common age of person involved in a collision with an e-scooter, not including the rider, was aged between 50 and 59

The graph shows the number of reported e-scooter user casualties, by age and sex in the UK in 2021. There are more male than female e-scooter user casualties, especially amongst those aged between 10 and 39

Department for Transport data shows the number of casualties involved in e-scooter collisions by time of the day, in 2020 and 2021. The trend is the same for both years, an upward trend starting at 6am and ending at 4pm with a dip at 10am, followed by a downward trend from 4pm to 10pm

He said he would not go on a scooter again and hoped they will be banned, not just restricted.

The number of deaths from e-scooter accidents has tripled in the last year alone. 

There were 1,349 crashes involving e-scooters between June 2021 and 2022, compared with 978 crashes the year before, which is an increase of 38 per cent.

Of those, just 346 involved only a single e-scooter and no other vehicles, compared with 200 the year before.

More than 1,000 e-scooter users were injured in the crashes, compared to 811 in the year ending June 2021.

There were 12 deaths in collisions involving e-scooters (11 of whom were e-scooter riders) compared to four in the year ending June 2021.

The government estimated that there were 429 people seriously injured and 996 slightly injured in collisions involving e-scooters, compared to 288 and 741 in the year ending June 2021.

In 2019, Channel 4 and YouTube star Emily Hartridge was killed in what was believed to be Britain’s first fatal electric scooter accident.

The 35-year-old was involved in a collision with a lorry while riding an e-scooter near her home in Battersea, south London. 

The National Accident Helpline’s Jonathan White said: ‘E-scooters are an increasingly important part of the UK’s transport portfolio. 

Channel 4 and YouTube star Emily Hartridge (pictured) was killed in what was believed to be Britain’s first fatal electric scooter accident

Ms Hartridge was killed after the e-scooter she was riding was involved in a collision with a HGV in Battersea, south west London at around 8.30am on July 12, 2019. Pictured: The scene of the crash

The crash happened at Queen’s Circus roundabout, pictured on the day of the crash, which has been the scene of other fatal incidents involving trucks and vulnerable road users 

The 35-year-old was involved in a collision with a lorry while riding an e-scooter near her home in Battersea, south London 

READ MORE: E-scooter riders ARE more reckless than cyclists: Users are FIVE TIMES more likely to drink-drive and 30 TIMES more likely to drive helmetless, study suggests 

 

‘They are a good cheap form of transport which have significant environmental benefits. The reality though, is they can be dangerous.

‘Not only does the lack of regulation around private e-scooters cause concern but the silent nature of the vehicles means pedestrians crossing roads, are very vulnerable to accidents. 

He said the survey of 2,000 Brits showed licensing and insurance were ‘key to restoring confidence’.

Mr White added: ‘With growing concern around the safety of e-scooters in the UK, it’s vital that people know the law and understand whether they’re eligible to make a clam if an accident occurs or is not their fault.

‘Education is key and the Department of Transport should make it clear to the public that it is illegal to use a private e-scooter on public roads and in almost all public places in the UK, and that they could incur fines and penalties if caught.

‘The Department of Transport should also take action against retailers that fail to properly inform customers of the risks and regulations around the use of private e-scooters. 

‘They should be prepared to cooperate with police in taking enforcement action against illegal and unsafe use of private e-scooters.’

Currently, the law says e-scooters can only be used on private land, unless they are rented as part of a government-backed trial.

It is illegal to use them on public roads, on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas, unless they are used as part of one of those trials. 

Those renting a scooter in one of those trials must also hold a valid full or provisional driving licence.

Source: Read Full Article