Illegal e-scooter rider sues over pothole injury

AN illegal e-scooter rider injured when she hit a pothole is trying to claim damages from the council in the first case of its kind.

Giovanna Drago, 22, broke her knee when her e-scooter hit a pothole in Barnet, north London, in October 2020. It took her 20 months to recover from her injuries. She is suing the London Borough of Barnet for £30,000 at Central London County Court for failing to maintain the road.

However, the council says she should get nothing because only scooters rented from an “authorised hire scheme” are legitimately allowed on public roads.

Ms Drago’s case is the first of its kind to go before a judge and will set a precedent for future claims.

The London Borough of Barnet is denying all blame, insisting its staff did their utmost to keep the road safe.

Geoffrey Mott, for the council, said: “Allowing her claim would be inconsistent with the Government’s policy to restrict e-scooters to protect riders and the public.” The case was adjourned.