E-scooter injuries double in Lower Austria in two years

The number of people injured in e-scooter crashes in Lower Austria has almost doubled in two years, according to data reported by ORF. There were 516 injured riders in 2025, compared with 379 in 2024 and 263 in 2023.

The figures come from Statistics Austria and were cited by the Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club, or ÖAMTC, which examined accident risks and typical injuries with partner organisations.

The ÖAMTC said the risk usually results from several factors combined, including the vehicles’ riding dynamics, risky behaviour, a lack of protective equipment, limited knowledge of traffic rules and the growing use of e-scooters.

Crashes occur particularly often in the evening and at night and during the summer months. Alcohol is also a significant risk factor. Intoxicated riders fall more often and suffer more serious injuries. While sober crash victims mainly sustain injuries to their arms and hands, intoxicated riders are more likely to injure their heads, faces and chests.

In the average figures for 2023 to 2025, almost one in three injured people aged 55 to 64 had been drinking. Only about one in 10 e-scooter riders wears a helmet, according to the ÖAMTC.

The organisation said the scooters’ standing position, high centre of gravity and small wheels made them particularly unstable. Kerbs, uneven road surfaces, sudden steering movements and minor riding errors could quickly lead to serious falls.

Since May 1, stricter rules have applied to e-scooters. Riders up to the age of 16 must wear helmets, while scooters must be equipped with indicators, a bell and reflectors. Police initially focused on discussions and warnings, but have issued citations more rigorously since the summer holidays.

Police in Lower Austria have issued about 460 citations so far. Most involved missing reflectors and indicators, but officers also caught intoxicated riders and people travelling two to a scooter. Police said it was still too early for a general assessment, but expected the measures to improve road safety.

Across Austria, 2,749 e-scooter crashes were recorded in 2025. Six people died, 473 were seriously injured and 2,124 suffered minor injuries. The number of crashes involving personal injury has risen by 56 percent since separate recording began in 2023.

The ÖAMTC renewed its call for a helmet requirement for all e-scooter riders, regardless of age. It said that in the average figures for 2023 to 2025, only 17 percent of those injured were aged between 13 and 16.