Accident in Hünfelden: Ten-year-old e-scooter driver injured!

Accident in Hünfelden: Ten-year-old e-scooter driver injured!

A worrying incident occurred on August 24, 2025 in the Limburg-Weilburg district. A ten-year-old boy who was riding an e-scooter was slightly injured in an accident in Hünfelden-Kirberg. While crossing a thoroughfare, a driver overlooked the child, resulting in a collision. The boy got his legs caught under the vehicle and had to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. This tragic situation has reignited discussions about the safety of e-scooters.

As a background, it should be mentioned that e-scooters have been permitted on the road in Germany since 2019. However, the booming trend towards the use of e-scooters and the easy rideability without major legal hurdles also has its downsides. According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, there were already around 11,940 e-scooter accidents with personal injuries in 2024, including 27 deaths and over 1,500 serious injuries. Compared to 2023, this is an increase of 26.7%, which doesn't exactly speak for safe driving on the roads, especially for the smallest among us [zeit] reports that...

Regulation and traffic safety

Certain rules apply to e-scooters, which essentially make it clear that only drivers aged 14 and over can legally use public transport. The use of these electric scooters is subject to compulsory insurance and only vehicles with an operating license may be used. In addition, e-scooters are allowed to drive where cycling is permitted. However, the regulation also stipulates that in the area of ​​sidewalks and in pedestrian zones, driving is only permitted at walking speed if this is expressly permitted by additional signs [adac] reports that...

A central problem remains victim protection in accidents involving e-scooters, as there is no strict liability. The planned new regulations for the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (EKfV) aim to increase road safety. These suggestions include, among other things, that e-scooters should be equipped with indicators and separate front and rear brakes [adac] reports that ...

The increase in accidents: a worrying trend

With the rapidly growing number of e-scooters, which rose from 180,000 in 2020 to almost a million in 2023, the number of accidents is also increasing. Younger users are particularly at risk: almost half of those injured are under 25 years old. It is alarming that many e-scooter drivers are not sufficiently informed about the applicable traffic rules, which leads to risky driving behavior [test] reports that...

To drive responsibly, it is advisable to always wear a helmet and follow traffic rules. Driving under the influence of alcohol in particular is a common cause of accidents, as 12% of e-scooter drivers involved in accidents were under the influence of alcohol. This is a clear call for caution and responsible use of the new means of transport. Users should also check their e-scooters for safe functionality before riding to reduce the risk of accidents.

All in all, the incident in Hünfelden shows that more than just good business is needed to ensure road safety. There is an urgent need for education and possibly stricter rules to protect young people and all other road users.