Coroner urges action after e-scooter rider's death

E-scooter riders should be made to wear helmets, a coroner has said following the death of a man in Nottingham.

Daniel Isaacs, 41, was using a privately-owned e-scooter in Carlton Road, St Ann's, on 23 May when he lost control and hit his head on the ground.

The father of four, from Bulwell, died from his injuries at the city's Queen's Medical Centre the following day.

In a report to the secretary of state for transport, Nottinghamshire assistant coroner Nathanael Hartley said Mr Isaacs' fatal crash had raised concerns of a risk of death to riders of e-scooters and bicycles not wearing protective headgear, even at low speeds.

An inquest held in December was told Mr Isaacs was not wearing a helmet when he "was dismounted from the vehicle and collided with the road surface causing a serious head injury".

In a prevention of future deaths report sent to the Department for Transport in late December, and published on Monday, Mr Hartley said: "During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.

"In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.

"In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The matters of concern are as follows: there is no requirement that riders of electric scooters wear helmets.

"Due to the expectation of their use on the road, and their vulnerability, there is a risk of death to riders of electric scooters and bicycles not wearing protective headwear who are involved in collisions, even at lower speeds."

Mr Hartley urged the government to take action to prevent future deaths, adding that a copy of the report had been sent to the chief coroner and Mr Isaacs' family.

The secretary of state has a duty to respond to the report within 56 days, setting out a timetable for action or explaining why no action is proposed.

It is currently illegal to use privately owned e-scooters on the road or in public spaces such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.

E-scooters are available to hire in some towns and cities under a trial scheme, for people aged 16 and over with a provisional driving licence, with a speed limit of 15.5mph.

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