Scooter crash rate concerns

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
ELECTRIC mobility scooter accidents have sent 14 riders to Geelong Hospital’s emergency department over the past decade, according to a research survey.
But a retailer said the accident rate would be much higher, with “thousands” of scooters now in use around the region.
Monash University figures for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission study said eight of the Geelong victims were admitted to hospital.
The most common incident was falls from scooters, often resulting in fractures and head injuries. Collisions and roll-overs were also typical accidents.
Sixty fatalities and hundreds of injuries were reported nationally.
GWS Rehab Supplies’ Yvonne Clapton said the number of scooters in the region was growing with its ageing population.
“Scooter safety is something that’s needed because it’s a whole new world when you’re on a scooter,” Ms Clapton said.
“You don’t realise the obstacles and hazards like positioning a scooter to activate the walk signal at traffic lights. Branches hanging over a fence become obstacles, while angled footpath and driveway entries could tip a scooter over.”
Ms Clapton “strongly encouraged” home trials before purchasing scooters.
“One older gentleman thought it was okay to drive his scooter down an escalator.”
The commission’s Sarah Court said accident rates were increasing.
“The survey results will help us to better understand safety issues surrounding mobility scooters and their users and target any future work in this important area.”
The survey can be completed before April 5 at productsafety.gov.au/mobilityscooters or by phoning the commission on 1300 302 502.