European Transport Policy Center (ECTP ) has repeatedly warned about the growing danger of the movement of electric scooters in cities and on the national road network. Today, when we are faced with another tragedy – the death of a 16-year-old boy in Pleven, it's time to talk not just about solutions, but about urgent and firm measures.
This tragedy could have been prevented. The fatal accident caused by a bump in a street under repair is further evidence that previous attempts at regulation and enforcement are not enough. How many more young lives do we have to lose before we realize that radical change is needed?
Electric scooters are no longer just a means of getting around quickly and cheaply. They become a weapon on the road. Developing high speeds, without an adequate legal framework and control, they are a threat to all road users. And every day we delay tough rules, we put more lives at risk.
We ask the following questions and demand immediate answers from the institutions:
- How will liability be borne in the event of a traffic accident caused by a driver of an electric scooter, given that there is no compulsory insurance "Civil Liability" for those driving this type of individual vehicle?
- How does the Ministry of Internal Affairs control the speed of electric scooters and how does it identify and sanction violators?
- How does the Ministry of the Interior ensure that the drivers of the scooters are over 14 years old?
- How does the Ministry of the Interior control whether an electric scooter operator is under 18 years of age, which according to the Road Traffic Act means that he must have a safety helmet?
- Are there any real penalties for parents who allow minors to drive electric scooters?
- Is it necessary for every such scooter to be registered in order to ensure liability for breaking the law?
- Should there be a mandatory requirement that electric scooters only run on bike lanes?
ECTP has been insisting for years on a completely new Road Traffic Act, which would also include clear and definite rules for the use of electric scooters. It is time to protect the lives and health of our citizens, but especially our children, before these vehicles become an even bigger killer on our streets and before we allow this pandemic to spiral out of control.
Our position is categorical that we should not wait for the next tragedy, we must act now, immediately! Europe is already setting an example, like Paris – the city that first allowed scooters and first banned them. It is time for us to show determination and put an end to lawlessness on the road.
Death is an unacceptable price for mobility, even when it comes to getting around with an electric scooter.