Recent E-Scooter Incidents in New Zealand
A recent e-scooter crash in New Zealand resulted in the death of a 30-year-old man, raising concerns about e-scooter safety in the country. Reports suggest that e-scooter riders have a high rate of death or injuries compared to other motor vehicle crashes. Previous incidents have led to temporary removals of e-scooters from Auckland streets and discussions about regulatory changes. The public and authorities have responded with grief and calls for action, including setting up a memorial fund for the victim and suggesting dedicated cycleways for scooters and bikes. The financial impact of e-scooter accidents has been significant, with over $30 million paid out by ACC for related injuries. It is clear that e-scooter safety remains a pressing issue in New Zealand, prompting a need for rethinking regulations and infrastructure.
2/6/20242 min read
Recent E-Scooter Incidents in New Zealand
New Zealand has seen a tragic e-scooter crash recently in Auckland's Eden Terrace that claimed the life of 30-year-old Ryan Taylor. The police confirmed that the incident occurred on Ian McKinnon Drive around 11:30 pm on a Monday and no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Despite the commencement of CPR, Taylor died shortly after emergency services reached the scene.
Concerns Over E-Scooter Safety
The recent accidents have raised concerns over the safety of e-scooters in New Zealand. A Waka Kotahi report suggests that e-scooter riders have the second highest rate of death or injuries in motor vehicle crashes per million hours spent travelling 4, 8. Additionally, a study conducted in Auckland reported that e-scooter riders often suffered from traumatic injuries typically seen in car crashes.
Previous Incidents and Reactions
Previous incidents have fuelled discussions about e-scooter safety. In 2019, Toben Hunt, 23, died after falling off a Lime e-scooter. Similarly, 57-year-old Kathryn Fraser was struck by a van while riding an e-scooter, resulting in her death 1, 2, 3, 8. Such cases have prompted temporary removals of e-scooters from Auckland streets and conversations about regulatory changes to ensure safer usage.
Public and Authorities' Response
The response from the public and authorities regarding these incidents has been a mix of grief and calls for action. A Givealittle page was set up to contribute towards Ryan Taylor's memorial service, showing community support.
Residents near the scene of the crash have expressed concerns about the safety of shared footpaths and cycle lanes, suggesting that dedicated cycleways for scooters and bikes could prevent such accidents 2. The Auckland Business Chamber also had its Chief Executive, Simon Bridges, hospitalized after an e-scooter accident 2, 15.
Financial Impact of E-Scooter Accidents
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation), New Zealand's no-fault scheme that covers citizens' and residents' personal injury costs, has paid out over $30 million for e-scooter-related injuries from October 2018 to October 2022. While the average cost per claim has seen a decrease, the number of claims remains high with minor injuries like cuts making up the majority, but serious cases like concussions occur about 50 times a year.
Conclusion
Considering the recent events and the historical data on injuries and fatalities, it is clear that e-scooter safety remains a pressing issue in New Zealand. The loss of Ryan Taylor has put the spotlight back on how e-scooters coexist with other forms of transportation and pedestrian traffic, urging citizens and officials to rethink regulations and infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.