Accidents involving e-scooters, Segways, and hoverboards surged to a record 42 in Luxembourg last year, leaving 14 people seriously injured and 28 with minor injuries, according to newly released government figures.

In 2024 alone, 42 accidents involving e-scooters and their cousins, Segways and hoverboard, were recorded, leaving 14 people seriously injured and another 28 with minor injuries, according to figures released by Minister for Mobility and Public Transport Yuriko Backes in response to a parliamentary question from the Christian Social People's Party (CSV).

The numbers mark a sharp increase compared to previous years. The National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (STATEC), which only began tracking these incidents four years ago, reported 11 accidents in 2021, 27 in 2022, and 19 in 2023.

Last year's tally of 42 represents the highest yet.

The surge has inevitably put safety back in the spotlight. During the summer, Minister Backes clarified the rules governing e-scooters, which remain closely aligned with those for bicycles. E-scooters are classified as 'micro electric vehicles' (MEV) under the Highway Code, speed-limited to 25 km/h, and confined to cycling infrastructure.

Riders aged 13 and up must stick to bike lanes or the roadway, with pavement riding banned outright. Taking passengers or towing is also prohibited.

Helmets, meanwhile, are encouraged but not compulsory, unless the scooter can go faster than 25km/h, in which case the vehicle is reclassified as a moped, complete with insurance, licence and mandatory headgear requirements.