Increase in e-scooter accidents resulting in injuries by 26.7% in the year 2024

In the year 2024, Germany recorded a total of 11,944 e-scooter accidents that resulted in personal injuries or fatalities, marking a significant 26.7% increase from the previous year, with 27 fatalities reported by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)[6].

Young riders under 25 years old accounted for nearly 50% of those involved in e-scooter accidents[3]. This disproportionate impact on the younger age group is a cause for concern.

Key contributing factors to these accidents include:

Young age and inexperience: Riders under 25, many without a driving license (which is not required for e-scooters from age 14), are more frequently involved. Notably, brain injuries occurred more often in riders who had some prior experience, suggesting age is a more critical risk factor than experience alone[2].
Alcohol use: Elevated levels of intoxication among e-scooter accident victims increase the risk[1].
High usage among young people: Younger demographics use e-scooters more frequently, correlating with higher accident involvement[1].
Lack of strict licensing or age restrictions: Unlike in some regions (e.g., California, which requires age 18 and a license), Germany allows riding from age 14 without a license, possibly increasing risk among minors and inexperienced users[2].

When it comes to collisions with other road users, e-scooter riders were the main cause in 35.2% of cases involving a car[7]. In contrast, in collisions with cyclists, e-scooter riders were the main cause in 72.7% of cases[4].

In terms of accident locations, 53.7% of e-scooter accidents occurred in large cities with at least 100,000 inhabitants, and 30.9% of accidents occurred in cities with at least 500,000 inhabitants. E-scooters play a relatively minor role in accidents, with only 4.1% of all accidents with personal injury involving an e-scooter rider in 2024[5].

It is essential to note that 10,886 or 83.9% of the victims were riding an e-scooter themselves, including all 27 fatalities[8]. In addition, 508 or 4.7% of the victims who were riding an e-scooter had passengers.

The most common misconduct among E-scooter riders, accounting for 21.2%, was incorrect use of the roadway or sidewalk[9].

As we move forward, understanding these statistics and identifying key factors can help in implementing safety measures and improving regulations to reduce e-scooter accidents in Germany.

[1] Destatis (July 31, 2025). "Alcohol consumption among e-scooter accident victims." [2] Destatis (July 31, 2025). "Age and experience of e-scooter riders involved in accidents." [3] Destatis (July 31, 2025). "Young people at higher risk in e-scooter accidents." [4] Destatis (July 31, 2025). "Collisions between e-scooters and cyclists." [5] Destatis (July 31, 2025). "E-scooters and accidents: A closer look." [6] Destatis (July 31, 2025). "E-scooter accidents and fatalities in Germany." [7] Destatis (July 31, 2025). "E-scooter accidents involving cars." [8] Destatis (July 31, 2025). "Victims of e-scooter accidents: A breakdown." [9] Destatis (July 31, 2025). "Common misconducts among e-scooter riders."

The increase in e-scooter accidents in Germany, with a significant 26.7% rise from the previous year, has raised concerns not just in the general-news sector but also in the crime-and-justice and accidents categories.
In the broader industry landscape, the transportation sector has seen an unexpected spike in accidents related to e-scooters, with other industries like finance needing to consider potential liabilities and insurance claims.
As the number of e-scooter accidents shifts focus to fires and car-accidents related to e-scooters (considering young riders' involvement in 35.2% of cases involving a car), safety regulations and improvements may impact the overall transportation industry.
Given that e-scooters played a role in only 4.1% of all accidents with personal injury in Germany in 2024, the finance sector and other industries can potentially anticipate lower insurance claims related to e-scooters. However, concerns remain high due to the high rates of accidents involving riders under 25 and the associated healthcare costs and coverage issues.