Alcohol on the e-scooter: More and more accidents in Hamburg!

Alcohol on the e-scooter: More and more accidents in Hamburg!

Hamburg, Deutschland - The use of e-scooters is very popular in many major cities, also in Bremen. But while you are very popular as a quick and practical means of transportation, this form of mobility not only brings advantages. A current incident shows how fatal misconduct on e-scooters can be and where the dangers are. A man recovered from a collapse, but grabbed alcohol and fainted again. An ambulance from the Hamburg Johanniter was called, and trainees Lena Marie Horn explained that she was not yet familiar with such situations. This event brings up the alarming consequences of alcohol abuse, which can also affect e-scooter drivers. According to a report by the ARD Mediathek , an alcoholic accident victim has come into focus on an e-scooter, and this has been consequently opposed to a criminal complaint.

How the Tagesschau , the figures for e-scooter accidents have risen drastically since 2020. In just three years, the accidents rose from 92 in 2020 to 442 in 2022 - almost a quinter. In a high percentage of cases (69.7 %), the drivers themselves were responsible. The main causes of this are often false street use as well as alcohol or other intoxicating agents. E-scooters are considered motor vehicles and are therefore subject to the same legal restrictions as cars-if you drive at 0.5 per thousand or more on the e-scooter, you are committed to an administrative offense. However, this is often disregarded.

The influence of alcohol on safety

A particularly worrying trend is the influence of alcohol on e-scooter drivers. According to the Kuratorium für Verkehrsicherheit (KFV), 12 % of the incurred e-scooter-steering people were already alcoholic. The average age of these drivers is around 34 years, and the proportion of alcoholic drivers, especially with high alcohol values, is alarming: 90 % had over 1.0 per thousand. In comparison, the numbers on other means of transport are significantly lower.

The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are also drastic: at 0.8 per thousand, fines of up to 3,700 euros threaten, while at 1.2 per thousand up to 4,400 euros can be imposed.

• 0.8 per thousand: 800 to 3,700 euros
• 1.2 per thousand: 1,200 to 4,400 euros
• 1.6 per thousand or refusal of the test: 1,600 to 5,900 euros

The security of the e-scooter users itself is another topic that is under discussion. There are currently hardly any regulations on the obligation to held for adults. The KFV therefore calls for such an obligation and additional security features such as bells, indicators and a throttling of the speed to 20 km/h. Wearing a helmet could possibly prevent many injuries. Supervisory authorities and transport organizations are committed to more controls and educational campaigns.

The scope of the Situation is undeniable: E-scooters are not only a popular means of transport, but also a danger, especially if drivers do not act responsibly. What is certain is that it is important to recognize and minimize everyday risks so that everyone who uses the streets is safe to reach the destination.