A tragic e-scooter accident in Christchurch resulted in a fatality after a rider collided with a pole at the intersection of Brougham St and Waltham Rd in St Martins around 11pm.
Police and emergency services responded quickly, but the rider died at the scene.
The incident is part of a troubling trend of serious e-scooter crashes including a number of recent serious accidents in Auckland. E-scooters are permitted on roads, cycleways, and footpaths under current regulations by NZ Transport Agency.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified for further investigation.
Image credit: Bolt
Isn’t it strange that e-scooters are allowed on footpaths, but push bike and e-bikes are not?
Getting on the seldom-used footpath with a bike removes the hazards of getting sideswiped by a vehicle on the road…! And, the drivers of road vehicles would be relieved at not having to encroach other lanes to get around the cyclists.
Besides, the e-scooters are a bloody nuisance, being dumped / ditched in driveways, store entrances, and foot paths.
The one e-scooter that was blocking my driveway made a one-way trip; having been dumped in the tip!