THE number of injuries from e-scooters is on the rise in Sussex, new figures show.

E-scooters have become a popular method of travel in many towns and cities across the UK.

They have the potential to reduce pollution and provide a quick and easy mode of transport for those who cannot easily walk or cycle.

However, privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on public roads, and critics say they are dangerous for riders and other road users.

Provisional figures from the Department for Transport show there were 39 casualties from e-scooter accidents in 2021 recorded by Sussex Police, up from 17 in 2020.

E-scooters are still only responsible for a small proportion of all traffic accidents, accounting for less than one per cent of all road casualties in Sussex last year.

As part of a planned Transport Bill announced earlier in May, the government is considering legalising the use of private scooters on roads in the near future, and trials of rental scooters are already under way in 30 areas across the UK.

Users themselves were far more likely to be hurt from these collisions than other road users, accounting for 76 per cent of all e-scooter casualties across Great Britain.

Pedestrians made up 16 per cent and cyclists five per cent, while those in cars suffered 17 slight injuries from e-scooter accidents in 2021.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “We are aware of a reported rise in the number of injuries from road traffic collisions involving e-scooters in the county from 2020 to 2021.

“At the present time in Sussex it remains illegal for e-scooters to be used on public roads and in public places as there are currently no legal ways to register, insure and tax them as a powered vehicle.

“Owners are reminded that they could face arrest, having the item confiscated, and being prosecuted for road traffic offences if they are seen using e-scooters in Sussex.

“Officers continue to conduct proactive enforcement patrols and hundreds of e-scooters have been seized for being used in public in Sussex within the past year.

“All road users are also reminded to take heed of recent changes to the Highway Code that give more protection for vulnerable road users."

Across Great Britain, the number of casualties from e-scooter collisions stood at 1,359 for 2021, nearly triple the 484 recorded the year before.

And in 2021 there were nine fatalities, up from just one the year before.

The DfT notes that minor casualties may go unreported, so the true number of injuries may be higher.

A spokesman said: “We have set out clear regulations and guidance for users and rental providers on wearing helmets, speed limits and precautions to keep everyone safe.

“While riding a privately owned e-scooter on public land is currently illegal, we are considering how best to design future regulations.

“Our Transport Bill will enable us to take the steps we need to support innovation, robustly crack down on irresponsible use and make e-scooters safer.”