Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's just granny on an electric scooter.

Increasing numbers of the elderly population are finding trips around town a lot easier with their very own motorised vehicle.

But questions are being asked about the safety of a heavy metal object driven at 8mph by someone whose reactions may not be as sharp as they could be.

Calls have been made for compulsory third- party insurance, particularly after the accidental death of an 88-year-old Eastbourne man who was struck by a scooter decked out in Formula One livery.

The scooters do not currently require the drivers, dubbed 'silver haired racers', to have passed a test or hold any insurance.

And although 84-year-old Margaret Thompson told Backchat she had never hit anyone, she did say she had experienced "a few mishaps" with shop displays.

Keep an eye out.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

Topics