– There have not been any pleasant days here, says a beaten Tom Gunnar Karlsen to TV 2.
He is one of several who have had a brutal encounter with what he describes as “life-threatening toys”.
– HATE: Many people have strong opinions about electric scooters. Photo: Frode Sunde / TV 2
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Electric scooters have been a hot topic in recent months, and several have experienced ugly falls. Now Karlsen hopes that the horror images can serve as a warning to others, and hopes that a set of rules will soon be established.
The case was first mentioned by Fredrikstad Blad.
Was in the company of the grandson
Karlsen was in a children’s party for his grandson when he decided to take a short trip down to Fredrikstad Stadium to check the atmosphere before a football match.
He went to buy a scooter about three months ago, and has since used it actively.
– It is a straightforward and easy way to get there quickly, he says to TV 2.
He is driving at a leisurely pace around the stadium when he suddenly falls. The next thing he remembers is the Red Cross standing over him and wiping blood.
– When I started to come to myself, I realized that I had fallen really ugly.
– SUGGESTED: Tom Gunnar Karlsen ended up in hospital after an ugly accident on an electric scooter. Photo: Private
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Near death
Karlsen was transported to the emergency room, and then on to the hospital. The doctor could tell that Karlsen had probably hit the curb and then plunged forward in a kind of somersault.
– The doctor told me that I had received five fractures. One fracture in the eye socket, two in the thumb, one in the little finger and one in the spool bone.
He quickly understood that things could have gone much worse when the doctor pointed out that he was not far away from ending up in the morgue, which is two floors below.
– He said it was only a matter of millimeters away from the temple. That was millimeters away from death, says Karlsen.
Karlsen points out to TV 2 that he had neither consumed alcohol nor that there was talk of high speed.
– Accidents can happen anyway. I must have been inattentive for a moment, which had major consequences, he says.
Gets a stomach ache
Karlsen points out that he, as an adult man, may cope with the physical and mental strain of such a fall better than young people who experience the same thing.
When he met the grandson after the accident, the near-death experience hit even harder.
– It hurts in the stomach to see young people standing on scooters at such a high speed. I do not indulge anyone to hurt myself as I have done, and think of all those who have been affected by even worse accidents than me.
He believes it is time for a change.
– A regulation must be established for age limit, alcohol limit and speed. 20 kilometers per hour is terribly fast when you are completely unprotected and without the opportunity to hold on to anything, he says to TV 2.
– BREAKS: Karlsen suffered five fractures as a result of the accident. Photo: Private
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– It’s disturbing
Senior communications consultant at Trygg Trafikk, Christoffer Solstad Steen, believes that these are exactly the kind of accidents they try to avoid, as in the worst case they can have serious and lifelong consequences.
– Unfortunately, we have seen a significant increase recently in serious injuries as a result of the use of electric scooters. It is disturbing, says Solstad Steen.
– USEFUL: Christoffer Solstad Steen understands that the electric scooter is seen as a useful means of transportation. Photo: Morten Brakestad / Trygg Trafikk
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He explains that accidents often occur in connection with alcohol consumption and reduced risk assessment, but that it can also happen “anyone”.
– People underestimate the risk with the vehicle, it is actually ten times as high risk as a normal bicycle. 20 kilometers per hour may not seem so fast, but there is a lot of power in games, he says.
Think it’s time for ending
Solstad Steen believes that an assessment should now be made of what the electric scooters are classified as.
– Today they are classified in the same category as bicycles and electric bicycles. If you compare these three, then the electric scooter is the only one where you do not need to use physical force to get ahead.
He believes that the electric scooter should be moved to a motor vehicle, which may involve several changes.
– Then there may be regulations for, among other things, per mille, helmet use and age limit. It is quite clear that this needs to be regulated more.
He points out that the electric scooter is probably here to stay, but has a clear encouragement to those who choose to use it:
– You have to get to know the vehicle both physically, but also how it reacts to different things in the roadway. Take precautions, and for God’s sake: Wear a helmet!
– A precious lesson
Karlsen was in a lot of pain the following days, and was at one point quite sure that he would sell the scooter.
– LESSONS: Karlsen hopes the accident can show others how bad things can go. Photo: Private
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– I was very sure that I would sell it, but it seems that I now keep it, he says and continues:
– It is located at the back of the motorhome, and it will probably stay for a while. I will probably try again, but then I will be very careful.
He now encourages others to exercise caution in traffic.
– It has been a precious lesson, and I hope that this can show others that they must be careful. Use your head, wear safety equipment and be careful – I have learned that at least, he concludes.
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