The head of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), Andreas Gassen, has called for a ban on e-scooters. "E-scooters should be completely banned, but that would help prevent injuries," said Gassen the "New Osnabrück newspaper". "From a medical point of view, they are just too dangerous, so get away with it."
The "worst fears" had occurred, said Gassen. "Wherever these vehicles drive around in the meantime, we have significantly more injured." This starts with complex fractures of the arms and legs and reaches to head injuries and deaths. From a medical perspective, it had been "irresponsible" to admit the e-scooters in Germany.
Video: When e-scooters become a stumbling block
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The accident researcher Siegfried Brockmann of the General Association of Insurers (GdV) contradicted Gassen: "A ban on e-scooters so soon after the introduction to demand is nonsense," said Brockmann same newspaper. It was clear from the outset that accidents would occur after the approval of this additional means of transport. "We also find serious accidents involving cyclists - but nobody would think of banning them on the road."
What is needed is stricter controls and higher fines, said Brockmann. There are too many users "who drive in pairs or on the sidewalk or are under the influence of alcohol". According to Brockmann, current accident statistics on electric scooters are not yet available to the GdV.
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Electric scooters have been allowed in Germany since mid-June. Users are allowed to drive a maximum of 20 kilometers per hour and use cycle lanes - if these are not available, the road. Driving on footpaths and in pedestrian areas is prohibited. The discontent about the e-scooter is currently growing. The criticism ignites above all on wildly parked scooters and reckless drivers.
Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier (CDU) had spoken out against stricter rules for electric scooters at the weekend. He was in favor of "Freedom in traffic," said Altmaier the newspapers of the spark media group. There are already "more than enough prohibitions". But it is important that the safety of all road users remains guaranteed.