The number of accidents involving e-scooters in Germany has reached a concerning new high. According to the latest data from the Federal Statistical Office, police recorded 16,496 accidents involving personal injury in 2025, marking a 38.1 percent increase compared to the previous year. Even more alarming is the rise in fatalities, with 38 people losing their lives in 2025, up from 27 in 2024—a jump of more than 40 percent. The vast majority of those involved in these incidents were the scooter riders themselves.
Since their introduction to German streets in 2019, e-scooters have become a common sight in urban areas. However, as their popularity has grown, so too has the frequency of collisions. The statistics show that young people are disproportionately affected, with more than half of all those involved in accidents being under the age of 25. While e-scooters still account for a relatively small share of total traffic accidents in Germany, the rapid upward trend in injuries and deaths has prompted urgent calls for improved safety measures.
Most accidents occur when riders lose control or collide with other road users, such as cars or cyclists. Data indicates that many incidents involve improper use, such as riding on sidewalks where they are prohibited, or operating the vehicles under the influence of alcohol. With thousands of people suffering serious or minor injuries annually, the debate over how to better integrate these vehicles into the existing traffic infrastructure is intensifying among policymakers and safety advocates.