After E-Scooter Accidents: ARBÖ Demands Safety Offensive

According to ARBÖ, only 13 percent of riders wear helmets, even though e-scooters can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. Some illegally modified devices can even reach up to 70 km/h. Many users are unaware of the dangers of their reckless behavior and disregard the regulations, often riding on sidewalks, standing two on the footboard, using modified devices, and not infrequently under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to ARBÖ.

ARBÖ sees urgent need for action after e-scooter accidents

"From a legal perspective, it applies: Anyone who operates an e-scooter contrary to the regulations of the Road Traffic Act or the Motor Vehicle Act commits an administrative offense and significantly increases their own risk of injury. Legal guardians are subject to a statutory duty of supervision. If minors violate the rules and damage occurs, this can, under certain circumstances - in the event of a breach of the duty of supervision - lead to civil liability for the parents," says ARBÖ legal expert Johann Kopinits. Furthermore, every e-scooter must be equipped with the following features: a braking system, a white front light, a red rear light, and reflectors (white at the front, yellow on the side, red at the back).

ARBÖ calls for a comprehensive safety campaign for all of Austria with strict controls and increased education following the model of "Vienna rolls safely." "Targeted education is necessary to create risk awareness when riding e-scooters, so that drivers act more responsibly in public traffic and thus fewer accidents occur," explains ARBÖ spokesperson Sebastian Obrecht. It is positive that the Ministry of Transport is considering a general helmet requirement for e-scooters and e-bikes. A corresponding draft law is to be presented in the fall. Until then, ARBÖ calls for always wearing a helmet, as it can prevent head injuries or reduce their severity.

(Red)

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