PACTS to take on further e-scooter research

A new project will investigate the extent to which e-scooter casualties are under-reported and consider ways to improve accuracy. The project will be carried out by PACTS, thanks to funding from the Road Safety Trust.

DfT stats for 2021 found there were 10 deaths related to e-scooter usage. However, a previous project by PACTS identified 13 during the same period.

Building on that work, PACTS will explore the reporting of e-scooter casualties and identify ways this can be improved. The new project will also critique the DfT evaluation report of the e-scooter trial rental schemes; and to respond to the Government’s proposed Transport Bill. The bill is set to begin the process of legalising the usage of privately-owned e-scooters.

David Davies, PACTS executive director, said: “E-scooters have appeared in large numbers on UK roads in the past few years. Most are being used illegally. There has been a dearth of information on safety, which PACTS tried to fill.

“During 2021 we published monthly updates on casualties involving e-scooters. PACTS research was helpful to the police and DfT which eventually recorded 1,438 casualties, including 10 deaths. PACTS recorded 13 deaths in the same period.

“The Government has announced that it will prioritise e-scooter legalisation. We believe there is still much more to contribute to the safety of e-scooter regulation, and to the wider issue of casualty reporting for vulnerable road users.”

Sonya Hurt, CEO of the Road Safety Trust, said: “The results from the initially funded e-scooter project highlighted real concerns with the future use of private e-scooters and this guidance is an essential piece of work.

“Our aim, with the additional funding, is to help inform Government legislation and ensure that both the riders of e-scooters and those around them remain safe.”