The Malta Insurance Association hinted that insurance premiums could go up for all motor policyholders in the wake of an increased number of accidents involving eKickScooters.
In a statement issued Friday, the MIA said that its “member insurers have already registered a number of accidents where riders or pedestrians have been injured and where vehicles were damaged in collisions with eKickScooters.
“Although in some cases the injured parties receive financial compensation from insurance, no amount can make up for the loss of life or a permanent disability. One has to also keep in mind that the cost of such compensation is ultimately borne by all motor policyholders as it is reflected in the insurance premiums paid,” the MIA said, clearly inplying that insurers could review the premiums if accidents involving scooters continue to rise.
In its statement, the MIA said it is concerned about the increased risk of fatalities and serious injuries that riders of eKickScooters and other road users are facing.
It said it believed that with improved awareness of the regulations that apply to their use and more importantly with effective enforcement, this risk can be reduced.
The MIA said supported the promotion of the use of more environmentally friendly means of transport that help reduce pollution produced by motor vehicles and that reduce traffic congestion. However, any initiatives to promote greener means of transport must also keep the safety of all road users as its top priority.
The MIA said it regularly receives reports of abuse witnessed on our roads involving eKickScooters. Examples of these are:
1. eKickScooters ridden in the middle of the road, wrong-way, or used on arterial roads
2. Two persons riding on one eKickScooter
3. Privately owned eKickScooters not licensed and therefore probably without third party liability insurance
4. eKickScooters not being ridden in accordance with regulations in pedestrian zones and at higher speeds than permitted
The MIA said it believes that immediate and forceful action needs to be taken before more serious accidents occur. This should include:
1. An effective and informative educational campaign using the media to educate users of the regulations applicable
2. Proper enforcement by the police, community officers and Transport Malta officers of the existing regulations
3. A legal obligation on all sellers of eKickScooters to ensure that it is registered with TM and insured against third party liability risks as required by regulations prior to handing it over to the buyer.
If the warning signs continue to be ignored, there is little doubt that more people will be hurt, and more property damaged in accidents that can easily be prevented with more awareness and greater discipline.