Study: Three times more likely to crash on an electric scooter than on a bicycle

An analysis of 8 million electric scooter trips and 83 million bicycle trips in Helsinki yielded disappointing results : for every 100,000 scooter trips, there are 7.8 injuries, while for cyclists, the figure is only 2.2. Thus, the danger of using electric scooters is at least three times higher.

The typical victim is a 33-year-old man, without a helmet, and intoxicated (30% of injured). Among cyclists, the proportion of drunk people is only 8%. The nature of the injuries also differs: SIM users are more likely to injure the head and neck, while cyclists are more likely to injure the arms and body. Alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of traumatic brain injury: up to 76% for SIM users and up to 63% for cyclists.

Although cyclists are more likely to require surgery (13% vs. 8%), e-scooter users are more likely to be admitted to intensive care (1.2% vs. 0.6%).

In light of these data, the restrictions on scooter use introduced in Russian cities do not seem to be a sign of backwardness, but rather farsightedness. In Blagoveshchensk, there is a complete ban on the rental of electric scooters: violations are subject to fines of up to 100 thousand rubles and confiscation of the vehicle. In the Yelabuga region of Tatarstan, the ban has been introduced more selectively, but just as strictly: scooters are confiscated if they try to circumvent the established rules.

The widespread use of electric scooters has led to regulatory authorities introducing additional rules for their users. Since 2023, amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations (RTR) and the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO) have come into force in Russia, significantly tightening the liability of scooter drivers.

First of all, according to the traffic rules, pedestrians have priority on sidewalks. Failure to comply with this rule entails a fine of 1,500 to 2,500 rubles according to Article 12.18 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Second: riding together on one scooter is prohibited, as it increases the risk of serious injury in case of a fall. Violation of this prohibition entails a fine of 800 rubles in accordance with Part 2 of Article 12.29 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Third: when crossing a pedestrian crossing, the scooter driver, like a cyclist, is obliged to stop and cross the road on foot, pushing the scooter alongside. If not, a fine of 800 rubles under Part 2 of Article 12.29 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Fourth: driving a scooter while intoxicated is prohibited. According to Part 3 of Article 12.29 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, the fine for this violation is from 1,000 to 1,500 rubles. Some services also charge an additional fine for drunk driving, reaching 150,000 rubles.

Fifth: within the city, the speed of movement on a scooter must not exceed 25 km/h, and in courtyards and residential areas - 20 km/h. Exceeding the speed entails a fine of 800 rubles.

Sixth: riding a scooter on a road where speeds of up to 130 km/h are permitted and creating an obstacle for other road users may result in a fine of 1,000 rubles.

In addition to complying with federal laws, it is necessary to take into account the rules specified in the user agreements of scooter rental services. As a rule, services do not allow scooter rental to persons under 18 years of age. Adults who book a scooter for children face serious consequences, including fines of up to 100,000 rubles and a lifetime account block.