Mobility scooter users 'more than twice as likely to be killed in a crash than other road users'

Mobility scooter users are more than twice as likely to be killed in a crash than other road users, new data has revealed.

The study comes after George Johnston, 88, was involved in a collision with two cars while riding his mobility scooter in Renfrewshire.

Police closed down Gauze Street following the collision involving a red Volkswagen Golf and a red Vauxhall Astra at around 8pm on April 1.

The road was closed for around seven hours. Floral tributes to the 88-year-old grandad were left at the scene.

George Johnston died in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Police Scotland

Department for Transport (DfT) road casualty statistics show that in 2022, nine mobility scooter users were killed and 270 were injured in incidents on UK’s roads.

The new figures, released by insurance company Surewise, show that mobility scooter casualties have increased by an average of 20% every year for the last decade.

The mobility scooter insurance company released the data ahead of the launch of their “Safer Mobility Campaign” which aims to highlight the risks users face when travelling near roads.

Mobility scooter users more than two and a half times more likely to be killed in a road crash Supplied

Despite their vulnerability on the roads, new mobility scooter drivers are not legally required to undergo any form of training before using their vehicle in a public place.

More than 250 motorised mobility scooter users took part in a study by Nottingham Trent University that found 62% of those questioned had not received “any form of training”, and of the 38% who had, most had received training around vehicle handling.

The study found that few users received training about the hazards they would face, with only 8% attending training on an inside course or completing outdoor training or observation.

Richard Hannan, director at Surewise, said he was “horrified” to discover that mobility scooter drivers are more than two and a half times more likely to be killed in a road crash than other road users.

“And sadly, the problem only seems to be getting worse. Worryingly, the casualty data shows a steady increase in casualties year on year, and our claims team takes regular calls from distressed customers who have been injured in collisions,” he said.

“Mobility scooter users are very vulnerable, particularly when travelling on the roads, and, unlike cars and other vehicles, the driver has little protection in the event of a crash.

“Our Safer Mobility Campaign is dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for improved safety measures, and providing resources and support to enhance the safety of mobility scooter users on our roads.”