• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Thursday May 15 2025

Government must take action on e-scooters says injury lawyer

Action is needed over the growing use of e-scooters in Britain’s towns and cities, a Bristol serious injury lawyer has warned.

Philip Edwards, a partner and serious injury claims specialist at Clarke Willmott, says legislation needs to be in place to compensate the victims of irresponsible e-scooter users.

Since 2019 47 deaths have been attributed to e-scooter use, and there are an estimated 1.2 million e-scooters being illegally used.

An initial consultation was held in 2021, with results published in 2022 but no further action was taken by the previous government.

“We need proper regulation of the types of scooters permitted, their power, and those that can legally drive them and we need proper resources for enforcement of the regulations – it is important that dangerous scooters or drivers are actually kept off the road,” said Philip.

“There’s also the thorny issue of insurance or other schemes for compensation. Accidents will happen and no innocent, seriously injured victim of an accident involving an e-scooter should be left without the ability to obtain compensation for their losses and to maximise their rehabilitation and recovery.

“Ministers have also, rightly, raised concerns over the risk of battery fires on e-scooters and e-bikes. With new legislation not looking likely until 2026/2027 this is the first step in a long process to put more safety measures in place.”

Philip has been representing clients after life changing injuries or the loss of a loved one for more than two decades.

“The immense personal tragedy of these events never diminishes – whatever we can all do to support each other to prevent these tragedies from occurring should be done,” he said.

Pictured: e-scooters at Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol by Mr Ignavy published under Creative Commons licence