What to do in the event of an electric scooter accident?

In the event of an electric scooter accident, it is important to remain calm and act systematically. First, ensure the safety of all parties involved and call the emergency number if necessary. Do not leave the scene of the accident without reporting it, as this may result in legal consequences. Finnish law requires you to report any damage, and insurance coverage depends on the characteristics of the scooter and the type of insurance. In this guide, we will go through the most important steps to take in the event of an accident.

What to do immediately after an electric scooter accident?

After an electric scooter accident, the first priority is to ensure the safety of all parties involved. Stop the scooter in a safe place, moving out of the way of traffic if possible. Check the condition of any injured persons and immediately call the emergency number 112 if anyone is injured. Warn other traffic about the accident to avoid further damage.

Once immediate safety measures have been taken:

• Document the situation by taking photographs of the accident site, vehicles, and any damage.
• Collect contact details of those involved and statements from eyewitnesses.
• Record the time and place of the event as accurately as possible.
• Do not admit guilt on the spot, even if you feel responsible.

If there were no injuries in the accident and the damage is minor, you can exchange contact details and agree to settle the matter with your insurance company. Remember that as an Ego electric scooter owner, you can always contact us for technical assistance and guidance.

What are your legal obligations after an electric scooter accident?

In the event of an electric scooter accident, you have a legal obligation to stop and assist any injured parties. According to Finnish traffic law, leaving the scene of an accident without leaving your contact details is a punishable offense that can be interpreted as a traffic violation. This also applies to electric scooter drivers, even if you are traveling on a light traffic lane.

The law also requires you to report the accident to the police if:

• The accident has resulted in personal injuries.
• The accident has caused significant property damage.
• The parties cannot reach agreement on liability or damages.

Remember that electric scooter riders are subject to largely the same traffic rules as cyclists. According to Traffic Safety, only 64 percent of Finns know that electric scooters should generally be ridden on bike paths. It is important to know the traffic rules before riding so that you can avoid accidents.

Does insurance cover damage caused by electric scooter accidents?

Insurance coverage for electric scooter accidents depends on the characteristics of the scooter and the insurance policies. As of June 2024, the Motor Insurance Act has changed, and electric scooters weighing more than 25 kg and/or traveling at speeds exceeding 25 km/h must be covered by motor insurance, even if their power is less than 1 kW. This is important information for all electric scooter users.

Insurance coverage varies depending on the situation:

• Motor insurance covers personal injury and property damage caused to third parties.
• The driver of a privately owned electric scooter will be compensated for all personal injuries, such as rehabilitation and incapacity to work.
• For those driving a rental scooter, traffic insurance only covers medical expenses.
• Liability insurance included in home insurance may cover damage caused by light electric vehicles if motor insurance is not required.

If an accident occurs, contact your insurance company immediately to file a claim. Remember to contact us if you need help with electric scooter insurance matters or want to check whether your scooter needs to be insured by law.

How to assess damage to an electric scooter after an accident?

After an accident, the condition of the electric scooter should be carefully checked before the next use. Do not use a damaged scooter, as it may cause further accidents. In particular, thoroughly check the frame, battery, brakes, steering system, and electrical components.

Pay attention to these critical areas:

• Frame and structure: Cracks, twists, and other structural damage
• Battery: Dents, leaks, unusual noises, or overheating
• Brake system: Brake performance and response time
• Tires: Cuts, bulges, and air pressure
• Steering: Steering stability and straightness of the steering wheel
• Electrical system: Cable integrity and function testing

If you notice any of the following warning signs, take your scooter to a professional for inspection immediately: unusual battery heating, smell of smoke, unstable operation of controls, or sudden acceleration and braking. We provide professional maintenance services for Ego electric scooters and high-quality spare parts for scooter repairs.

Where can you get help with rehabilitation after an electric scooter accident?

Recovering from an electric scooter accident may require medical and psychological rehabilitation. The Finnish healthcare system offers comprehensive rehabilitation services for accident victims. Your first point of contact is your local health center or, in more serious cases, the hospital emergency room, where you will be referred to the appropriate care.

Support services related to rehabilitation include:

• Public healthcare: Primary healthcare and specialized healthcare
• Kela: Rehabilitation allowance and medical rehabilitation for serious injuries
• Rehabilitation programs supported by insurance companies through motor insurance
• Physical therapy services to restore mobility
• Mental health services for trauma and stress management

The psychological effects of an accident are just as important to consider as physical injuries. Many people experience fear and anxiety at the thought of returning to using an electric scooter. Healthcare professionals can offer support in dealing with these feelings. Peer support networks can also help in the recovery process.

Remember that safe driving is the best way to prevent accidents. Always use appropriate safety equipment, such as a helmet, and obey traffic rules. The safety of electric scooters begins with the driver's responsible behavior in traffic.