Scooter accidents on the streets of Albania, especially in the capital, have become a problem. Within the span of one year, they have almost tripled. According to the official statistics of the university trauma hospital, in 2023 there are 214 scooter accidents, while in the first 10 months of 2024 there are 554 such accidents.

Doctors see it with concern, due to the very fact that the ages involved in the accident are young, while the injuries are numerous, sometimes even fatal.

“We have noticed a significant increase from year to year, I would say that in daily practice, we see from 1 to 2 cases per day. In general, the accidents caused by the electric scooter, whether it is the person who drives the scooter or third parties who are hit, are mostly mild cases, but we have had sporadic cases of death of patients. Initially, it starts from a sprain of the wrist, the fingers of the hand, but taking into consideration the weight of the person driving the scooter, the weight of the device, and the speed can be fatal”, said Ervin Nepravishta, doctor at the University Hospital of Trauma.

The danger that comes from scooters is also highlighted by road experts.

“They interrupt the flow of vehicles without ensuring their maneuverability, they circulate in narrow areas often between two vehicles where they are often not detected by the drivers of the vehicles and this has led to an increase in accidents by two-wheeler users,” said Fadil Lika, an expert in road safety.

In addition to misuse by scooter drivers, the reason that creates chaos is the lack of roads dedicated to them.

“Scooters are used by teenagers and this means that those who do not have knowledge of road traffic rules and the combination of age and irresponsibility make it possible to have an increase in accidents without overlooking the fact that there are no dedicated lanes for these vehicles” – said expert Fadil Lika of road safety.

In conditions where it is difficult to stop their traffic, both doctors and road experts have some advice for those who drive a scooter.

“At a minimum, what we would recommend would be the use of protective equipment for the head and extremities, both for bicycles and motorcycles,” said Ervin Nepravishta, doctor at the university trauma hospital.

“Be responsible, make sure of their maneuvers, make sure during the night hours to wear a visible element like a vest”, said Fadil Lika, road safety expert.

According to the expert, the road code does not have a separate article for scooters, but they are included in bicycles, and as a result, they will have to move carefully in the lanes dedicated to them, at least until clear rules are defined.