Mother Severely Injured in E-Scooter Accident Cautions Parents

A mother, who sustained broken bones and a “shattered leg” following a fall from an e-scooter, has issued a plea to parents to refrain from purchasing such devices for their children this Christmas. Lauren Mullen was operating her 13-year-old son’s e-scooter on Marjorie Road, located in Chaddesden, Derby, on 31 October when she lost control and “smashed” her leg against the kerb. The 44-year-old spent five weeks in hospital recuperating and stated that the event almost resulted in the amputation of her leg. She commented: “Please don’t get one for your children, they are death traps and I would never get on one again.” Ms. Mullen indicated she was uncertain about the cause of her fall from the e-scooter. She stated: “It was either a pothole or a pebble”. “I have had seven operations and two blood transfusions since the accident. “I had to have an emergency operation due to blood pooling in my leg, and I could have lost my leg or my life. Paramedics said my heart could have stopped because of the trauma.” Ms. Mullen mentioned that her full recovery is anticipated to take 18 months. She further stated: “I can’t believe falling off an e-scooter has warranted the injuries I have sustained, I could have lost my leg or my life.” E-scooters are not eligible for insurance, rendering their use on roads, cycle lanes, or pavements in the UK illegal. When questioned about her awareness that operating an e-scooter on public property was against the law, Ms. Mullen responded: “I was not.” Commencing at the start of November, Derbyshire Police have been confiscating e-scooters “immediately” from public thoroughfares when observed by officers. “The e-scooter will never be ridden again”, Ms. Mullen declared. She added: “My son has seen what it has done to me, so I think he is now well aware of the dangers, he will not be riding it again.” “They are not toys and I didn’t foresee the dangers, not for one minute. “The injury it has caused is unbelievable, I don’t know what would have happened if my 13 year-old son had an accident.” For updates, follow BBC Derby on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.