Rising scooter and bicycle accidents prompt stronger safety measures at work

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Widespread use of bicycles and especially electric scooters is growing, and along with it come consequences on city streets. While their use can help ease traffic and reduce pollution, gaps in skills, confusion, or simply greater availability of these tools have led to a rise in incidents with real impacts on businesses.

In the Valencian Community alone, last year there were as many as 557 work-related accidents with sick leave involving bikes or scooters. This marks a 58.7% jump from the previous year and, compared with 2016, an astonishing 368.1 percent higher — nearly five times more. These figures come from a study conducted by Umivale Activa, the Occupational Risk Prevention service of a partner company, using data from AMAT (Association of Work Accident Insurance Companies) during European Mobility Week.

The increase in scooter and bicycle accidents at work in the Valencian Community is markedly higher than the national trend. Across Spain, the number of workers who needed leave after an accident with one of these micromobility vehicles rose to 4,735, up 52.9% year over year, with a 208.1 percent rise since 2016. In other words, a persistent triple-digit growth across the country.

Electric scooters for rent in El Campello. ALEX DOMINGUEZ

In this context, data indicate that the greatest risk occurs during travel to and from work. Specifically, 88.6% of workplace traffic accidents with these vehicles happen during commuting, while 11.4% occur during the workday. The Valencian Community mirrors this pattern with 89.44% during commute and 10.56% during the day. (Source attribution: AMAT via Umivale Activa, European Mobility Week.)

Within the services sector, food and drink establishments, together with the offices, hotels, and similar workplaces, account for about 19.7% of traffic accidents involving bicycles and scooters in the Valencian Community. When looking at professions, salaried waiters and cleaning staff are overrepresented, contributing around 20.2% of the accident rate. (Source attribution: AMAT data summarized by Umivale Activa.)

Some cities report higher incidences of scooter use as commuters navigate busy streets. ER photo credits not shown.

Alfàs del Pi steps up enforcement to ensure proper scooter use

According to Umivale Activa, the majority of incidents affect all genders in Spain, with men seeing higher accident rates than women overall, though the balance can vary by context. Senior occupational risk technician José Luis Cebrián notes that these figures reflect the growing role of these vehicles in workplace safety. The goal is clear: promote safe usage and raise awareness among users and employers about prevention and risk management. (Source attribution: Umivale Activa.)

Precautionary measures

Cebrián reminds users of essential safety steps: inspect tires and brakes before riding, wear an approved helmet, use reflective clothing, and follow lighting rules on intercity routes. He emphasizes that being visible and being able to see are equally important when navigating traffic. (Source attribution: Umivale Activa.)

Many scooter users roam city streets in coastal areas. Photo credit not provided.

Additionally, headphones, mobile phones, or other receivers should not be used while riding. Scooters are prohibited at intersections, intercity roads, highways, and expressways, as well as in urban tunnels, sidewalks, or pedestrian zones, and speeds should not exceed 25 kilometers per hour. (Source attribution: Umivale Activa.)

Elche to install parking spaces for scooters amid rising user numbers

Umivale highlights that companies should regularly train and inform workers about workplace risks, with a special focus on road safety and accident prevention when using such devices. It is also advisable to offer flexible work schedules, provide parking spaces, and integrate road safety into the company’s occupational risk prevention program. (Source attribution: Umivale Activa.)

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