E-scooter rider killed by pothole

  • In Spain, on 14June, an e-scooter rider (Marcos Blaso, 53) was found dying in the road after he hit a pothole on a quiet lane. His family are suing the local authority for not maintaining the roads in a condition suitable for the small wheels and high speed (at least 25km/hr) of e-scooters. Indeed, in the UK, a coroner found that the very first e-scooter death in the UK (Emily Hartridge, 35) was caused when she “lost control after passing over an inspector hatch in the cycle lane and was thrown under the path of an HGV”. Of more concern is that at least 9 e-scooter riders have died in England and Wales this year, many simply losing control. Indeed, between 8June and 5August, 7 riders were killed at a rate of one very 8 weeks - a "summer of death". Next summer will be far worse.
  • When talking potholes, we usually think of cars. But, bicycles are also endangered by potholes, ruts, broken surfaces, drains, loose chippings, debris, and other depressed surfaces within the 1m adjacent to the kerb/verge (as well as cycle paths and lanes). Fortunately, the large wheels and relatively low speed of bicycles limit the danger. Many road cyclists can avoid the gutter and ride safely at speeds approaching car speeds in urban areas. However, the Gov/DfT intend to legalise private e-scooters, probably in 2023. On that day, in excess of 1/2million unregulated e-scooters will legally "hit" our streets and shared paths. The DfT has not sought to specify a minimum wheel size, or indeed minimum age (e-bikes can be ridden at age 14). Neither does the DfT require their high speed stability to be evaluated above 20km/hr, despite permitting rental e-scooters to cruise at 25km/hr (15.5mph). Moreover, the DfT only requires an e-scooter to be able to mount a 3cm kerb! In addition, e-scooters limited to 15mph will not have the option of keeping up with vehicular traffic on roads. Hence, it is already evident that illegal e-scooters are choosing to use the pavement as they feel safer, regardless of the danger they pose to pedestrians. Hence, as if potholes on the road endangering cars is costly enough enough, all the above factors will require the LCC to maintain roads, cycle lanes and cycle paths suitable for e-scooters. Hence, I suggest the LCC should seek additional funding from the Gov (DfT) starting in FY2022/3 to prepare for the extra cost caused by the Gov’s intended legalisation of private e-scooters.
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