E-scooters are on the rise in the Grand Duchy, with the government promoting them as a means of sustainable transport. However, no matter how practical, the scooters can pose a danger when not used with caution.
Too fast, too unpredictable, too dangerous. In Germany, the authorisation of these e-scooters is still being met with criticism. The number of accidents is on the rise, much to the consternation of the public and road safety organisations.
In Luxembourg, this new method of transport is yet to mesh with the other vehicles on the road. Danielle Frank, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport, said not everyone was used to these scooters, due to their fast rise in popularity. She reiterated that all vehicles need to pay attention to others.
Unfortunately, accidents persist, although official figures are few and far between. An organisation in Austin, Texas, published one of the few studies on the subject, citing 190 injuries caused by e-scooter accidents between September and November 2018. In Luxembourg, CHL have also noted an increase in these types of accidents, which can result in serious injury, said Dr Guillaume Bauer of the Municipal Hospital. He ascribed this to the fact that during a fall, there is no time for the rider to put their hands out to protect their head and face. Even reduced speeds such as 10km/h can result in injuries.
A helmet is therefore essential for e-scooter riders, as with bicycles. There are also brakes, reflectors and lights. An e-scooter may not exceed half a kilowatt of power, and the maximum speed allowed is 25 km/h. It is also essential to respect the Highway Code.
The use of e-scooters is solely allowed on cycle paths or on the road. They cannot be used on pavements. Danielle Frank confirmed there will be improvements to existing legislation, saying a committee will work with the Highway Code to develop a text to ensure the safety of all those circulating the streets.
An electric scooter is particularly useful for short distances, but it must not be forgotten that they are not toys.
