It is incredibly convenient to get on an electric scooter and go about your daily routine without the hassle, sweat, and congestion. However, every now and then, e-scooter riders are seriously injured, the State Police (VP) said.
Juris Jančevskis, Head of the Response Department of the Police, reminded that driving an e-scooter is not the same as riding a bicycle: "Very often, scooters are used after celebrations, after parties, to get home. Because of the different characteristics of scooters and bicycles, it is very common for drivers to fall and get injured.
"Every day we receive information from the medical authorities that drivers have fallen, injured themselves, and sought help. Quite often drivers are under the influence of alcohol."
The police reminded the public that this year the requirement for electric scooters to be registered came into force. However, there is currently no penalty for failing to register.
"We see on the streets that there are some who have registered their scooters. Some may have missed this information, but this is a transitional period when owners have to take this action. Although the legislator has not provided for a specific liability at the moment, this issue is currently in the process," Jančevskis said.
Meanwhile, the Road Safety Directorate (CSDD) reminded people not to forget about the rules of the road when using an electric scooter. Children should also be reminded of the rules, said CSDD road safety expert Oskars Irbītis:
"We should remember that [you can ride] from the age of 14. And only 18-year-olds [can rent scooters]. Let's not break the law. Let's not give out credit card details to our children so they can rent these scooters. It is extremely important to ride alone when riding a scooter. When there are two of you, if you fall, the one in the back pushes the one in front even harder against the asphalt, and those injuries are tragic."
At the Children's Clinical University Hospital (BKUS), the number of injuries caused by scooters is lower compared to bicycles, but they are more severe. Often, it is both not following the rules of the road and simply not knowing how to ride.
"It can't be like that - a person gives a kid a cool birthday present, orders an electric scooter, a big parcel arrives, the kid happily opens the present, and the parents say: go out and practice, go for a ride. The kid doesn't know how to get on it, how to brake, how to turn," said Jānis Upenieks, pediatric surgeon at BKUS, about the responsibility of parents.
Road traffic rules require minors to wear a helmet when riding a scooter. Adults should also observe this rule.
Ideally, leg and arm guards should also be worn.
"We have one head, and inside that head is some stuff. It's not just for a hat," said Upenieks.
Experts also point out that injuries sustained on an electric scooter are more similar to those sustained on a motorbike than on a bicycle, so it is worth thinking extra about your safety.
