North East records eye-watering 1500% increase in e-scooter collisions

Data released by the Department for Transport this week shows a clear uptick in the number of e-scooter related collisions in the North East.

The rise in popularity of e-scooters in recent years has proved a controversial matter and the new data will further stoke that fire.

Northumbria Police recorded an eye-watering increase of 1500% in e-scooter collisions from 2020 to 2021.

Where there was just a single case in 2020, there were 16 recorded instances in 2021.

That number actually places the North East at the lower end of the scale, making up for just 1% of total collisions nationwide.

Across the country, nine people were killed in e-scooter collisions in 2021, compared to one in 2020.

Speaking on the findings, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “We are still learning about the type of incidents e-scooters are involved in as well as the kinds of injuries they create.

"While the number of collisions increased significantly from 2020, initial reporting shows that e-scooter riders are more likely to hurt themselves rather than others.

"Despite the fact e-scooters are only legal through rental schemes, some police forces have been collecting the type of owner.

"Interestingly Nottinghamshire Police recorded more private e-scooter injuries compared to those in rental schemes which highlights the need to properly regulate e-scooter specifications before allowing them on our roads.”