Mobility scooter collisions remain among the most serious categories of road incidents recorded in recent years.
Official statistics from the Department for Transport show that 25 people were either killed or injured in mobility scooter accidents across Wales throughout 2024. Across Great Britain as a whole, the figure reached 335 casualties, made up of 12 deaths and 323 injuries, representing one of the highest totals ever documented. Of these casualties, 277 were the individuals operating the mobility scooters.
Surewise insurance intermediary’s director, Richard Hannan, stated that Josh’s experience highlights the significant risks faced by mobility scooter users, with casualty figures remaining worryingly high in recent years.
His willingness to discuss what happened shows considerable bravery and brings into focus a hidden road safety crisis that requires prompt attention.
These numbers ought to act as a pressing warning that mobility scooter users are being overlooked in transport planning, infrastructure construction, and public awareness campaigns.
Accident rates have increased substantially since the coronavirus pandemic, with the average yearly number of fatalities and serious injuries climbing by 37 percent in the years following the outbreak.
Surewise released this data through its Safer Mobility campaign, established to raise awareness of growing dangers for mobility scooter users—many of whom have disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Regional data shows the South East suffered the highest casualty count (53), with the East Midlands second (46) and Yorkshire and the Humber third (39).
Eighteen-year-old Josh Howell was hit by a car while riding his mobility scooter to cross a road in January.
He said that he was flung several metres through the air and was unable to move. Every part of his body was in severe pain, with only his right arm responding to his attempts to move. He genuinely believed he had become paralyzed.
His account has renewed focus on the dangers faced by mobility scooter users.