AZE.US
The number of scooters, bicycles and other micromobility vehicles on city streets in Azerbaijan has grown rapidly in recent years. But as their use increases, so does the number of accidents involving them.
Unlike car crashes, where compulsory insurance usually covers part of the damage, accidents involving scooters and bicycles often lead to disputes. The main reason is simple: these vehicles are not covered by mandatory liability insurance.
Insurance expert Vusal Badalov says that if a crash is caused by a person riding a scooter or bicycle, that person is responsible for compensating the damage caused to a car, a pedestrian or someone else’s property.
There is one possible exception: rental scooters. If the company operating the scooters has third-party liability insurance, the damage may be covered by the insurance company.
Badalov noted that both legal entities, such as scooter rental companies, and individuals may have additional third-party liability insurance. In such cases, compensation for damage caused in an accident can be paid by the insurer.
If there is no such insurance, the situation becomes more complicated. A car owner whose vehicle was damaged may receive compensation under a Casco insurance policy, if one is in place. The insurance company would then handle further procedures, including possible claims against the party responsible for the crash.
If the damaged vehicle has no Casco insurance, and the scooter or bicycle rider has no liability coverage, the injured party may have to seek compensation directly from the person responsible or take the matter to court.
Transport expert Adil Nabiyev says scooter and bicycle users are also participants in road traffic and must follow traffic rules. Running a red light, moving against the direction of traffic, failing to yield to pedestrians or careless riding can all lead to accidents.
According to Nabiyev, traffic rules and speed limits for micromobility vehicles should be regulated more clearly. Stronger oversight is especially important in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. He also said cities need more safe infrastructure for bicycles and small electric vehicles.
The Baku City State Traffic Police Department said regular preventive and control measures are being carried out to reduce the risk of accidents involving bicycles and small electric vehicles.
Experts say insurance mechanisms for scooters and bicycles need to be improved. Otherwise, vehicles chosen for convenience and mobility may increasingly become a source of disputes and danger on the roads.
AZE.US