Electric Scooters: Significant increase in traffic accidents in Greece

 

The rapid increase in the use of electric scooters has changed the way people move in urban centers, creating new mobility conditions and new challenges for road safety.

Recent traffic incidents in our country, involving minors and serious injuries, highlight a concerning trend that is not only confirmed in Greece but also across Europe.

According to data from the European Union, deaths related to the use of electric scooters and light personal electric vehicles increased from 61 in 2021 to 92 in 2022, with more than 80% of these fatalities resulting from collisions with heavier vehicles.

This development clearly indicates that micro-mobility, although a viable and flexible transportation solution in cities, is part of a road environment that poses high risks, especially for vulnerable road users.

Urgent Intervention by Pediatricians Regarding Accidents with Electric Scooters

In Greece, the current regulatory framework under the Road Traffic Code sets clear rules for the use of these vehicles, such as a speed limit of 25 km/h, allowing their use on the road network for individuals aged 15 and above, a ban on riding them on sidewalks, and the requirement for lighting and reflective elements.

The use of helmets is a critical condition for user protection and is strongly recommended for everyone.

In this direction, recently, the Road Safety Institute (R.S.I.) “Panos Mylonas” has made the protection of human life on the road its top priority, alongside raising awareness about integrating micro-mobility into the modern road environment.

It emphasizes that the use of scooters is not just an alternative form of transportation but involves full integration into the road system, with both rights and responsibilities. The driver must comply with the rules, protect themselves, and respect all road users.

The Panhellenic Association of Driving Instructors and Traffic Education has also addressed this issue, offering free specialized lessons for electric scooter users.

This initiative aims to drastically reduce traffic accidents, cultivate responsible driving behavior, create a new culture of coexistence among all road users, and enhance the knowledge and confidence of micro-mobility vehicle operators. Thus, in an environment where the coexistence of different vehicles is often disorderly and dangerous, proper training remains the only effective tool for preventing accidents.