Taichung Youth Electric Scooter Accidents Surge 161% in Three Years, Becoming New Traffic Hazard

The alarming rise in accidents involving young people on electric scooters and other slow-moving vehicles in Taichung demands immediate and decisive action from the city government. As highlighted by councilors, the 57% increase in accidents among 13-17 year olds and a staggering 161% surge in fatalities and injuries from electric scooter incidents over just three years paint a grim picture of a growing traffic safety crisis.

These 'micro electric two-wheeled vehicles,' often called electric bicycles, have become a convenient, license-free mode of transport for many underage individuals. However, the infrastructure and safety education have not kept pace with their proliferation. The lack of dedicated safety campaigns and, more critically, the absence of specialized joint inspections for modified e-scooters in 2024-2025, as pointed out by Councilor Chen Yu-jung, demonstrates a concerning level of official complacency.

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The accident rate for slow vehicles among 13 to 17 year olds has increased by 57% in three years, and the death and injury rate for micro electric two-wheeled vehicles has increased by 161% in three years, becoming a new traffic black hole.

While the Transportation Bureau claims to be strengthening safety education in schools and focusing on vendor inspections, this response appears insufficient given the escalating numbers. The councilors' call for proactive measures, including enhanced defensive driving education and improved traffic environments, must be heeded. The city needs to move beyond mere pronouncements and implement tangible solutions to curb this dangerous trend before more young lives are tragically impacted. This is not just a matter of traffic statistics; it's about safeguarding the future generation on our roads.

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In recent years, we have been strengthening safety education in schools regarding the use of micro electric two-wheeled vehicles.