E-scooter crashes surge as ÖAMTC warns of alcohol risks

Austria recorded 2,749 e-scooter crashes involving personal injury in 2025, while the number of such crashes in Tyrol nearly doubled between 2023 and 2025, ORF reported, citing the ÖAMTC.

Six people died in e-scooter crashes across Austria last year. A further 473 were seriously injured and 2,124 suffered minor injuries. The number of crashes involving personal injury has risen by 56 percent since dedicated recording began in 2023.

The ÖAMTC and partner organisations examined the risks and typical injuries associated with e-scooter crashes in a recent study. The findings showed that crashes were usually caused by a combination of factors, including the vehicles’ driving characteristics, risky behaviour, inadequate protective equipment and insufficient knowledge of traffic rules.

In Tyrol, the number of e-scooter crashes involving injuries rose from 137 in 2023 to 240 in 2025.

According to the study, crashes occur particularly often in the evening and at night, as well as during the summer months. Alcohol was identified as a major risk factor. Intoxicated e-scooter users are more likely to fall and suffer significantly more serious injuries because their protective reflexes and ability to react are impaired.

Sober riders mainly suffer injuries to their arms and hands, while intoxicated riders are more likely to injure their head, face and chest. ÖAMTC experts said many people underestimated alcohol’s impact on their ability to ride. Because e-scooters have a less stable riding position, the effects of impairment were much stronger than with other vehicles.

Among people aged 55 to 64, almost one in three crash victims was intoxicated on average between 2023 and 2025, the ÖAMTC said.

The organisation also warned that e-scooters’ design creates particular challenges for riders. The standing position, high centre of gravity, small wheels and direct connection between steering and balance make the vehicles prone to instability.

Head and facial injuries, along with injuries to the upper limbs, were among the most common injuries recorded in the study. At the same time, helmet use remained extremely low, with only about one in 10 e-scooter riders wearing one.

In response to the rising number of crashes, the ÖAMTC renewed its call for a general, age-independent helmet requirement for all e-scooter riders. It urged users to avoid alcohol, show consideration for other road users, familiarise themselves sufficiently with their vehicle and always wear a helmet.