Small electric vehicles such as e-scooters have become a regular part of urban mobility in recent years. At the same time, though, the number of accidents, some with serious consequences, is rising fast. The Hesse police are responding to this trend with a comprehensive strategy that includes checks, education and infrastructure changes. Interior Minister Roman Poseck has now personally informed himself about the measures currently being implemented in Frankfurt.
Significant increase in accident figures: an alarming signal
Since e-scooters were approved in 2019, the police have recorded a steady increase in traffic accidents. While there were only 7 accidents in the year they were introduced, the number had already risen to 749 by 2022. In 2024, a new high was reached with 1,081 accidents – an increase of 21 percent compared to the previous year. The number of injuries has also risen significantly: between 2019 and 2024, the police recorded a total of 2,823 accidents, including 384 serious injuries and 2,438 minor injuries. In 2024 alone, 100 serious injuries and 749 minor injuries were recorded.
Particularly tragic: in 2023, the first fatal e-scooter accident was recorded by the police in Hesse. An intoxicated driver was killed in an accident in Kassel. In July 2025, there was another dramatic accident in Frankfurt in which two e-scooter users were hit by a car and fatally injured. A third user was seriously injured. The car driver is in custody on suspicion of negligent homicide and attempted manslaughter.
Poseck: Police respond with decisive package of measures
Interior Minister Roman Poseck describes the development as ‘alarming’ and emphasises that consistent measures are necessary to increase road safety: ‘E-scooters are particularly popular among young people. However, their use involves risks, especially due to alcohol or drug consumption, disregard for traffic rules and a lack of protection in the event of accidents. The Hesse police are focusing on increased checks and preventive education.’
The 3-E strategy: an integrative approach
The Hesse police are pursuing a holistic approach to reducing risks – the so-called 3-E strategy, consisting of engineering, education and enforcement.
1. Engineering – geofencing and infrastructure measures
Geofencing zones restrict trips to certain mobility stations, especially in city centres. In sensitive areas such as parks, bus stops or cemeteries, selective geofencing regulates the parking of e-scooters. This is intended to better control usage and prevent parking that obstructs traffic.
Appropriate parking areas were demonstrated to the minister on site.
2. Education – prevention through awareness
The police want to raise awareness of the risks with information stands and targeted traffic education in city centres. Discussions with citizens by traffic educators and campaigns such as the ‘door hanger’ campaign for the 2024 European Football Championship are showing initial effects and will be continued.
3. Enforcement – consistent checks
Mobile bicycle squads will direct suspicious e-scooter riders to stationary checkpoints. Here, comprehensive traffic checks will be carried out, with a particular focus on alcohol and drug consumption. Technical tampering and insurance violations will also be checked. In addition, the police will tow away vehicles parked in a way that obstructs traffic.
Conclusion: Responsibility lies with all road users
Interior Minister Poseck thanked the police for their commitment and emphasised: ‘The police are doing an excellent job in combating traffic offences involving e-scooters. But users themselves also have a responsibility. Those who obey the rules protect not only themselves but also others.’
The comprehensive 3-E strategy of the Hesse police is an important step towards effectively tackling the rising number of accidents involving e-scooters. Prevention, enforcement and infrastructure measures must go hand in hand to ensure sustainable road safety.
