Call for e-scooter helmet use to be mandated
The Coroners Court is urging transport authorities to mandate the use of helmets for those riding e-scooters, after a man died in 2021 and three other deaths are before the court.
In 2021, Thiyagalingam Thanababu, 53, was riding on Sandringham Rd, Auckland, and not wearing a helmet. He suffered multiple fractures to his ribs, the front of his skull and his left shoulder blade after he collided with a raised kerb and the base of a concrete power pole.
The scooter was not in a safe, rideable condition, as it had been extensively modified and the rear brakes were not working properly. Thanababu had methamphetamine in his system, which the serious crash unit said could lead to more dangerous driving.
A forensic pathologist told the coroner that Thanababu, a father of two, would have likely survived if he’d been wearing a helmet.
In her findings, Coroner Erin Woolley said while there is no legal requirement in New Zealand to wear a helmet while riding an e-scooter, Waka Kotahi recommends one to be worn.
“The tragic outcome of this case illustrates the importance of wearing a helmet when riding an e-scooter as a means of preventing severe head injury in ... accidents.”
“Given the legal requirement to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle or a bicycle in New Zealand, because of the recognised benefit this has for reducing head injuries in the event of an accident, it seems that the same protective approach is warranted for the use of e-scooters and the use of helmets when riding e-scooters should be legally mandated, rather than recommended, for the same reason, that is preventing serious head injuries in e-scooter accidents.”
Coroner Woolley notified Waka Kotahi, the police and Te Manatū Waka/The Ministry of Transport of her findings and recommendations.
Te Manatū Waka agreed there are clear benefits to wearing helmets but said: “there is evidence to suggest ... that mandating helmet use can serve as a deterrent to the uptake of active travel, which is likely to reduce health and other benefits.”
Woolley said Te Manatū Waka did not provide any detail about the evidence. “I consider the balance must be an appropriate one and encouraging the use of alternative means of transport should not come at the expense of safety, particularly where the safety risks pose a danger to life,” Woolley said.
She recommended Te Manatū Waka prioritise further consideration into mandating helmets.
“I maintain the view that the interests of the health and safety of the community requires the wearing of safety helmets when using e-scooters because of the very serious, fatal implications that can result where a helmet is not worn.”
The use of e-scooters rose in Auckland after the introduction of rental e-scooters in October 2018. Private e-scooter use has also increased for commuters and as an alternative to car trips.
Between October 2018 and February 2019, at Auckland City Hospital’s emergency department, 180 patients were treated for e-scooter related injuries – 17% of those were treated for head injuries and only 3 of those were wearing helmets.
Earlier this year, 30-year-old Ryan Taylor died after an e-scooter crash.
Taylor’s mother Liz Jarden previously told Stuff she hoped his death would raise awareness and the importance of wearing the correct head protection while riding an e-scooter.