by A cancer survivor who nearly lost his foot in a brutal e-scooter crash is one of millions in the UK calling for them to be banned from the streets, MailOnline can reveal.
According to a survey by the National Accident Helpline, two-thirds of Britons want electric scooters banned on public roads, while three-quarters think a driving license and insurance should be compulsory to use one.
Cancer survivor Luke Barratt, of Barnsley, was in remission from leukemia when he was struck with life-changing injuries after an electric scooter accident on October 26, 2021.
The 32-year-old’s mobility had been limited by his leukaemia, but he hoped using an electric scooter would allow him to visit family living nearby.
However, while riding the scooter, he misjudged the curb and was thrown to the ground. His right foot was almost completely ripped from his ankle.
Passers-by rushed to help him and he was taken to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.
There he underwent several emergency surgeries that lasted for hours as doctors saved his foot.
“I didn’t know exactly how fast it happened and what the consequences would be,” Luke told the Barnsley Chronicle.
“I tried to get back to it first, but then I realized my leg was in one place and my foot was in another.
‘I’m still in pain. I wouldn’t wish pain on my worst enemy.
He said he would no longer ride a scooter and hoped they would be banned, not just restricted.
The number of deaths from electric scooter accidents has tripled in the last year alone.
There were 1,349 accidents involving electric scooters between June 2021 and 2022, compared to 978 accidents the previous year, an increase of 38%.
Of these, only 346 involved a single electric scooter and no other vehicles, compared to 200 the previous year.
More than 1,000 e-scooter users were injured in crashes, up from 811 in the year ending June 2021.
There were 12 deaths in collisions involving e-scooters (11 of which were e-scooter riders) compared to four in the year ending June 2021.
The government estimated that there were 429 people seriously injured and 996 slightly injured in collisions involving electric scooters, compared to 288 and 741 in the year ending June 2021.
In 2019, Channel 4 and YouTube star Emily Hartridge was killed in what was believed to be Britain’s first fatal electric scooter accident.
The 35-year-old was involved in a collision with a lorry while riding an electric scooter near her home in Battersea, south London.
Jonathan White, from the National Accident Helpline, said: “Electric scooters are an increasingly important part of the UK transport portfolio.
“It’s a good, inexpensive means of transport that has significant environmental benefits. The reality though, is that they can be dangerous.
“Not only is the lack of regulation around private electric scooters a concern, but the quiet nature of the vehicles means that pedestrians crossing the roads are very vulnerable to accidents.
He said the survey of 2,000 Britons showed licensing and insurance were “key to restoring trust”.
Mr White added: ‘With growing concern over the safety of electric scooters in the UK, it is essential that people know the law and understand if they are eligible to clam up in the event of an accident or if this is not their fault.
“Education is key and the Department for Transport should make it clear to the public that it is illegal to use a private electric scooter on public roads and in almost any public place in the UK, and could incur fines and penalties if caught. .
“The Department for Transport should also take action against retailers who fail to properly inform customers of the risks and regulations surrounding the use of private electric scooters.
“They must be prepared to cooperate with the police in taking enforcement action against the illegal and dangerous use of private electric scooters.”
Currently, the law states that e-scooters can only be used on private land, unless they are hired under a government-backed trial.
It is illegal to use them on public roads, sidewalks, in cycle lanes and in areas reserved for pedestrians, unless they are used in connection with one of these tests.
Those renting a scooter in any of these events must also hold a valid full or provisional driver’s license.
