ACC e-scooter claims spike
In past week, 24 injuries were reported and third firm added 500 more vehicles
The number of ACC claims for e-scooter-related injuries has almost tripled in the past week, to a total of 38 claims since the scooters launched in New Zealand.
The number of claims had risen by 24 since last Wednesday, when the Herald reported there had been 14 claims since the October 15 launch in Auckland and Christchurch.
Twenty-seven of the now 38 claims have come from users in Auckland, with the rest in Christchurch.
When broken down by primary injury, a total of 15 claims were recorded as lacerations, punctures or sting, while 12 were soft tissue injuries. In addition, about four claims involved concussion or brain injury.
The figures come as 500 more e-scooters were launched in Auckland yesterday, and more are set to hit the streets next month.
Wave Scooters was the second of three companies to launch its electronic scooters in the city yesterday.
Bike-share company Onzo will also roll out 500 e-scooters in Auckland in November.
Lime was the first company to unleash its scooters, with 600 scooters distributed across Auckland and 400 in Christchurch on October 15.
The launch of the vehicles in New Zealand has resulted in a rash of reported injuries and talk of safety concerns, including people using them dangerously and leaving them in unsafe places.
Currently e-scooter riders are allowed to ride without helmets and
share the footpath with pedestrians despite travelling at up to 27km/h.
However, users of the Lime e-scooters must be over 18 and hold a valid driver’s licence.
While minors may use Lime’s e-bikes, they must be over 16 and only a parent or guardian can book one for them.
Workplace safety campaigner and early-stage investment fund manager Lance Wiggs earlier said “someone is going to die” if changes to the road rules weren’t made.
Veteran motoring writer Clive Matthew-Wilson also predicted multiple injuries and probable deaths in the near future, particularly with vulnerable pedestrians, such as old people and young children.
The Blind Foundation also fears the scooters pose a risk for those who are blind or sight impaired.
Auckland Council will seek urgent advice on the safety and rules of the new e-scooters.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff earlier stated he believed there was a serious issue, and wanted a safety report ahead of any major accident.
A spokesperson for Onzo said it was also taking safety concerns seriously before the launch of its e-scooters next month.
“We’re considering adding helmets to our scooters so our users will have the option to access them.
“We’ll be working with Auckland Council to make sure we accommodate any concerns they may have about the safety of e-scooter sharing services,” the spokesperson said.
A spokeswoman for Lime said it urged riders to practise safe riding by wearing helmets through notifications on the app and on the scooter.