E-scooters have become an integral part of downtown Munich.
But driving the electric scooter has to be learned.
Because since more and more of these speedsters zoom around, there are also more accidents.
The TUM now offers driver safety training.
The trauma surgeon Dr.
Michael Zyskowski sounds the alarm: "In our clinic there is hardly a day without an injured e-scooter driver," says the 40-year-old senior doctor at the University Hospital on the right of the Isar.
In Munich alone there were 172 traffic accidents in which an e-scooter was involved between January and the end of August.
“At the end of 2020 there were only 98,” says a police spokesman.
Scooter providers are also concerned.
Caspar Spinnen (30), spokesman for the Voi company: “Imagine that nobody can ride a bike and all of a sudden there are bikes everywhere in the city,” he says.
“This is exactly the situation with the e-scooters.
Many don't know that there are traffic rules that you have to follow - just like when you ride a bike.
Now a driver safety training should help.
It is organized as part of a trauma surgery study at the TUM Clinic.
“We want to get acquainted with the scooters.
It is important to be aware of the dangers and rules.
This is how we want to prevent accidents, ”says Zyskowski.
There is theory before practice.
Here it is explained: Which rules apply?
How old do i have to be
Where can I drive, what do I have to watch out for?
Then the journey can begin - with a helmet of course.
A small test track is marked with cones, on which the participants can try out the scooters.
Especially the tight curve at the end is tough.
But after the first few laps it is visibly easier for the e-scooter drivers.
Her conclusion: "It's good that we were there."
Interview with the senior physician in trauma surgery Dr.
Michael Zyskowski
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Senior Physician Dr.
Michael Zyskowski
© Marcus sleep
What are the main causes of accidents with e-scooters?
The problem is that many e-scooter drivers are inexperienced.
20 percent are first-time users - one in five.
Obstacles such as curbs, objects or passers-by that have to be avoided can quickly lead to accidents.
In addition, many people drive under the influence of alcohol.
The Munich police have identified around 650 such cases since the beginning of the year.
Why do so many accidents happen with e-scooters in particular?
My personal impression is that there is a certain “toy mentality”.
However, e-scooters cannot be compared with the scooters from childhood.
Many underestimate that the scooters can go up to 20 kilometers per hour.
• How can e-scooter accidents be prevented?
Practice, practice, practice.
Rent an e-scooter and try it out, preferably where there is no traffic, in parks or in parking lots.
The Theresienwiese, for example, is well suited.
And be sure to wear a helmet!
• Which rules are particularly important?
First: do not ride the scooter in pairs.
Second, never drive intoxicated or drunk.
And third: no cell phone.
Otherwise, the same rules apply as for cycling.
This is what the participants in the training say
Veterinarian Stephanie Süß (25)
Driving was a bit shaky in the beginning, but over time you get a feel for the speed and how much gas you can accelerate.
The curves also need a lot of practice.
Before that, I only knew some of the traffic rules.
But I think most of it should be taken for granted, such as not driving under the influence of alcohol.
Whether the e-scooter is a danger depends on the driver.
I think if you drive sensibly and safely, the risk is low.
Pensioner Asmus von Troschke (68)
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Pensioner Asmus von Troschke
© Marcus sleep
I've wanted to try out the e-scooters for a year or two.
Places like this are good for practicing because you don't have to drive directly in traffic.
I'm not good at walking because I have knee problems.
For me, the scooters are a good thing.
In any case, I still have to practice.
Vet Larissa Weiß (24)
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Vet Larissa Weiß during driver training
© Marcus sleep
For me it was the first time today.
I think the scooters go amazingly fast.
The corners are also difficult.
You shouldn't underestimate that.
I wouldn't dare to do it without a helmet.
I really like the training.
I would like it if it were compulsory - like a kind of driver's license.
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