NEW research has found that there has been one accident for every 3,460 e-scooter rides on the Isle of Wight.

The personal injury team at national law firm Simpson Millar determined how many registered rides have led to accidents on the Island.

Since the Island e-scooter trial began in November 2020, there have been nearly 90,000 rides registered, with 24 accidents reported.

E-scooters available for rent across the Island typically have a maximum speed of 15.5 mph and can be hired by those with a provisional driving licence, meaning riders must be aged at least 15 years and nine months.

Rented e-scooters can be used on roads and cycle lanes but not on pavements.

Helmets are encouraged but not legally required when riding.

Phil Ellis, Beryl CEO, said: “Since its launch in November 2020, our Department for Transport-sanctioned e-scooter scheme has had a significant positive impact on the Island; with over 88,000 journeys being made equating to a saving of over 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

“Safety is paramount, and we constantly review our schemes and processes to ensure they are being delivered as effectively as possible.

"We offer users online and in-person e-scooter safety sessions, deliver appropriate in-app, leaflet and on-vehicle messaging, work with local police to record all incidents of misuse and take action against repeat offenders."

Recent government data reveals there were 882 accidents involving e-scooters, both rented and privately owned, across the UK between June 2020 and June 2021.

In this period, there were 931 casualties, 253 were seriously injured and three e-scooter users were killed.