Germany reports rising child traffic accidents and e-scooter usage

In Germany, recent data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) shows a significant rise in traffic accidents involving children. In 2025, approximately 29,270 children under the age of 15 were injured or killed, a 7 percent increase from 2024. Fatalities rose from 53 to 74, with the highest increase occurring among children traveling in passenger cars. Accidents involving children aged 6 to 14 are most frequent during the morning school commute between 7:00 and 8:00 AM.

Simultaneously, the number of insured e-scooters in Germany has reached 1.66 million, driven largely by a boom in private ownership. Data from the German Insurance Association (GDV) indicates that while private scooter numbers have surged, the number of rental scooters has declined. However, e-scooter accidents involving injuries have nearly doubled since 2022, totaling 16,496 in 2025, with 38 fatalities. The GDV noted that rental scooters carry more than twice the liability claim frequency compared to private vehicles. In response to rising accident rates, authorities in Paris have implemented stricter regulations, including mandatory helmets and reflective clothing, backed by fines of up to 135 euros.