The heartbroken family of a 29-year-old Leeds man who died after falling from an electric scooter have paid moving tribute. .
Scott Wilson, of East End Park, was riding his scooter near the junction in Harehills Lane on April 23 around 7.24pm when he hit a lamppost and fell off. He was not wearing a helmet and suffered a serious head injury.
Scott, who had survived leukaemia when he was a teenager, was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a coma for six days. Tragically, there was nothing medics could do and he died on April 29 with his family by his side.
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In a statement, Scott’s family said: "Scott’s death in such sudden and unnecessary circumstances has left us absolutely devastated. Scott was an energetic, genuine and inventive young man who deserved to live a long and happy life."
They described how he had been in remission from leukaemia since the age of 18.
"He had an arduous battle with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after being diagnosed at the age of 14 but had been in remission since the age of 18," the said. "He also underwent two hip replacement surgeries and a shoulder replacement as a result of the medicines used to treat his cancer.
"He was a loved son, uncle, brother, cousin and nephew to a large and diverse family who truly loved him unconditionally. Scott's passing has been extremely difficult for all of our family to process due to how sudden it was."
Now his family want to raise awareness surrounding e-scooter safety. His family want to avoid other families suffering the same anguish and loss.
They added: "Scott died as a result of serious head injuries and he may have been more likely to survive had he been wearing a helmet. We would urge anyone who uses an electric scooter to take all necessary safety precautions, including wearing a helmet, to help avoid their family experiencing the same anguish and loss that we are now feeling as a result of Scott’s death."
Detective Sergeant Paul Lightowler, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, of West Yorkshire Police said: "An e-scooter is a mechanically propelled vehicle as it has electric power. When used on a road, the correct driving licence is required, third-party insurance is required and it will also need to be registered and licenced.
"Legislation relating to e-scooters which have been hired under a trial scheme differs, but there aren’t any of the schemes currently operating in West Yorkshire. Offences of driving without due care, dangerous driving and any drink or drug driving offences apply to an e-scooter exactly the same as they would to a car."
Scott's family want to make people aware that his funeral arrangements are still being made, but they will share the date and location once all is confirmed.
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