Overview

• Germany recorded 11,944 e-scooter accidents with personal injuries in 2024, marking a 26.7 percent increase from 2023 and a rise in fatalities from 22 to 27.
• Statistisches Bundesamt data show that 84 percent of victims were riding the scooters themselves and nearly half of those injured were under 25 years old.
• Misuse of sidewalks was cited in over one-fifth of crashes while alcohol impairment accounted for 12.4 percent of incidents.
• A study by the Gesamtverband der Versicherer found privately owned scooters—used mainly by seasoned commuters over 30—have significantly lower accident rates than rental models favored by younger leisure riders.
• The Federal Ministry of Transport’s draft amendment would bar platform scooters from sidewalks and pedestrian zones, and local authorities are pushing for infrastructure upgrades and school-based safety training.