Alcohol at the Wheel: E-Scooter Accidents in Vienna Drastically Increase

In Vienna, there is "an enormous increase - over 200 percent - in administrative offenses in the area of alcohol" with e-scooters, said Federal Police Director Michael Takacs on Thursday. In 2024, there were two dead e-scooter drivers, almost 400 injured, and over 1,000 impaired by alcohol and drugs on Vienna's streets, reported Thomas Losko, head of the Vienna State Traffic Department (LVA). Therefore, the police and LVA launched an information campaign.

"Enormous Increase" in E-Scooter Accidents in Vienna with Alcohol and Drugs

Since 2018, rental e-scooters have been rolling through the streets of Vienna, and during the pandemic, many private vehicles have been acquired, said Takacs at a press event. This has also increased the number of traffic violations and sometimes serious accidents with the electric vehicles. Users tend to underestimate e-scooters, especially when intoxicated, but also "souped-up" vehicles increase the risk of accidents with serious injuries or even fatal outcomes. With the new campaign "Vienna Rolls Safely", they aim to inform all road users and raise awareness of the risks. There are also repressive measures such as targeted controls, Takacs explained.

According to LVA head Losko, such targeted controls show that many road users underestimate the possible penalties. If someone is intoxicated behind the wheel of a vehicle, it makes no difference whether it is a car or an e-scooter. In the case of impairment by alcohol or drugs, the penalty range is between 800 and 5,900 euros. Additionally, e-scooter drivers can also have their driver's license revoked, Losko explained.

New Campaign "Vienna Rolls Safely" Against E-Scooter Accidents

As part of the "Vienna Rolls Safely" campaign, flyers with the most important rules for using e-scooters and e-rollers have been created in easy-to-understand language and with pictograms. For example, it is prohibited for multiple people to use a vehicle together. Driving on sidewalks or using a phone while driving without a hands-free device is also prohibited. Children under twelve years must wear a bicycle helmet. The maximum allowed speed is 25 km/h - regardless of whether you are on a roller or scooter. A QR code on the flyers leads to video material and further information. This aims to reach not only the users of the vehicles but also other road users such as pedestrians.

(APA/Red)

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