Antwerp E-Scooter Crisis: Doctors Demand Action After Surge in Accidents

Antwerp E-Scooter Accidents Surge, Sparking Calls for Stricter Regulations Antwerp, Belgium – Emergency room doctors at Antwerp's ZNA Stuivenberg hospital are reporting a sharp increase in accidents involving electric scooters, prompting calls for stricter regulations. The hospital's emergency department is seeing an average of three e-scooter accident victims every day. "We're seeing fractures, bruises, head injuries—it's a serious problem," said Brecht Tavernier, an emergency physician at the hospital. "In the past year and a half, we've had six patients with permanent disabilities and one fatality." The most common injuries involve arms and hands (36%), legs and feet (25%), and head injuries (24%), including concussions and facial fractures. The majority of victims are men aged 14-34. The accidents tend to occur more frequently during weekday rush hour (4 PM-8 PM) and on weekends, often involving alcohol consumption. Doctors are urging for a reduction in e-scooter speed limits and a mandatory helmet law. While Flemish Minister Ankie De Ridder has ruled out a helmet mandate, she advises wearing a helmet and following traffic rules. The situation in Antwerp underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to e-scooter safety, balancing the convenience of this mode of transportation with the need to protect users and the public.