Oxford E-Scooter Rider Injured After Hitting Deep Pothole on Saturday Evening

An e-scooter rider in Oxford was thrown over his handlebars after hitting a 14cm deep pothole filled with water. This is the second reported incident in the area this week.
By Newsroom | Accidents, Oxford |

A man suffered serious injuries, including requiring stitches to his chin, after his e-scooter hit a pothole in Oxford. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, shows the rider being thrown over his handlebars. He is now recovering and has spoken about the condition of the roads.

Details of the Incident

On a recent Saturday evening, George Balkwill, a 32-year-old e-scooter rider, was traveling near The Red Lion pub in Old Marston, Oxford. Around 6 PM, his e-scooter struck a pothole, which was described as being about 14cm deep and filled with water. The impact caused Mr. Balkwill to be ejected from his scooter and land face-first on the road.

'I'm the e-scooter rider who faceplanted after hitting pothole - 1 thing is to blame' - 1

  • CCTV footage of the event circulated online, showing the moment of impact.

  • Bystanders and staff from the nearby pub quickly came to Mr. Balkwill's aid.

  • An ambulance was called, and Mr. Balkwill was taken to the hospital.

Injuries and Recovery

Mr. Balkwill sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment.

  • He received stitches for a cut on his chin.

  • Swelling affected his ability to speak properly.

  • He has had to take time off work to recover.

  • He expressed concern about the impact on his appearance.

He mentioned that he has used e-scooters for years without incident, but this experience has made him reconsider their use.

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'I'm the e-scooter rider who faceplanted after hitting pothole - 1 thing is to blame' - 2

Rider's Statements and Road Conditions

Mr. Balkwill has spoken out following the incident, attributing the crash to the pothole and highlighting concerns about the state of local roads.

"I just think it’s very, very poor."

He believes the pothole, which he mistook for a puddle, was the sole cause of his accident. This incident has led him to criticize the general condition of roads in Britain, suggesting that financial struggles faced by local councils may be a contributing factor.

'I'm the e-scooter rider who faceplanted after hitting pothole - 1 thing is to blame' - 3

Similar Incidents and Public Reaction

Reports suggest that other individuals have also experienced issues with potholes in the Oxford area.

  • Another rider, identified as Mr. Iqbal, reportedly crashed his motorbike after hitting a hidden pothole in Wood Farm the previous week, requiring a tyre replacement.

  • A separate report also mentions a Zack who experienced a similar motorbike crash due to a pothole.

  • The landlady of The Red Lion pub noted that Mr. Balkwill later returned to thank the pub staff for their assistance.

Witnesses and the rider himself have described the pothole as "lethal" and "huge," emphasizing the danger it posed.

'I'm the e-scooter rider who faceplanted after hitting pothole - 1 thing is to blame' - 4

Evidence of the Incident

  • CCTV Footage: Video recordings clearly show the e-scooter striking the pothole and Mr. Balkwill being thrown over the handlebars.

  • Medical Reports: Mr. Balkwill's need for stitches and his difficulties with speech due to swelling indicate the severity of his injuries.

  • Witness Accounts: Staff and patrons of The Red Lion pub provided assistance and witnessed the immediate aftermath of the crash.

  • Pothole Description: The pothole was noted to be approximately 14cm deep and filled with water, leading the rider to mistake it for a harmless puddle.

Expert Analysis

While no direct expert analysis of this specific incident was provided in the source materials, general concerns regarding road maintenance and their impact on road users are evident. The rider's assertion that the pothole was the singular cause is based on his direct experience and perception. The depth and hidden nature of the pothole, as described, present a clear hazard to all forms of wheeled transport.

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Conclusion

The incident involving George Balkwill highlights the potential dangers posed by unrepaired potholes. The severity of his injuries and his subsequent statements underscore concerns about road maintenance standards. The event, captured on video and corroborated by witness accounts, serves as a clear example of how infrastructure issues can lead to personal injury and disruption. The rider's perspective points to a need for improved road conditions to prevent similar accidents.

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