Pointing out that accidents with electric scooters are "a serious public health problem" and that "a fall at 20 km/h without a helmet can cause serious brain injuries and death", the association is calling for tougher regulation.
"What are you thinking? In an accident, only a helmet can prevent trauma" is the message on a poster publicising the petition, under an image of a fall.
According to data from the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM), in 2022 there were 1,691 scooter accidents, which represents an increase of 78% compared to the previous year and an average of 141 accidents per month.
"The number of serious victims of these accidents has also increased, namely (...) victims who have head injuries and those who need intensive care", says the statement.
Ajude-nos a tornar obrigatório o uso de capacete nas trotinetas e assine esta petição https://t.co/a6TNfJAhHh
— Associação novamente (@novamente_pt) February 9, 2023
Mobilidade sim, mas com capacete. pic.twitter.com/ciiHyfjRGQ
Neglected safety
standards
The non-profit association created by parents, doctors, and
friends of people with traumatic brain injuries considers that scooters have
"unquestionable advantages for the environment" and are "very
practical" for those who live in cities, but notes that "in their use
many safety standards are often neglected" and draws attention to
"the economic and social consequences", both for families and for
society of those injuries.
According to the association, the petition has already been
signed by almost 550 people, including Óscar Gaspar, former Secretary of State
for Health and president of the Portuguese Association of Private
Hospitalization (APHP)), Rui Pego (radio broadcaster), Carlos Barbosa, president
of the Automóvel Clube de Portugal (ACP), journalists Margarida Pinto Correia,
Sónia Morais Santos and Mafalda Anjos, television presenter Júlia Pinheiro, as
well as presenters and actors Diana Chaves, João Paulo Sousa and Miguel Costa.
"What is asked for with this petition is very simple:
the protection of what is the most precious and most sensitive organ we have:
the brain", indicates the Novamente, which hopes that more signatories
"will join the cause".
there are just as many bicyclists doing 20km or more without helmets , and falling of or over a bike is probably worse than from an lower down e-scooter
By mark from Algarve on 12 Feb 2023, 18:00
Agree complete they should use a hamlet and the other think they should be banned from the roads complete .
By Isabel Oliveira from Lisbon on 13 Feb 2023, 07:22
There needs to be EU laws governing and standardizing the use of these machines.
Also the insurance situation needs to be regulated.
By Richard from Madeira on 13 Feb 2023, 18:49
I agree...and also ban 98 percent of Portuguese drivers...That will fix all the accidents around Alcantara...Obrigado!
By Sakamoto Saurez from Lisbon on 14 Feb 2023, 11:45