Death of Birmingham schoolboy in e-scooter crash was accidental, inquest rules

The death of a 12-year-old boy in Birmingham, who collided with a bus while riding an e-scooter, was caused accidentally following a road traffic collision - a coroner has ruled.

Mustafa Nadeem was riding a Voi e-scooter in Bordesley Green on December 6 when he collided with a pedestrian and lost his balance, falling into the path of an oncoming bus.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Belchers Lane, near McDonalds and tried their best to save him, but Mustafa sadly died at the scene.

The Voi e-scooter that Mustafa was riding had been unlocked by a 14-year-old friend, using an under 16s bank account.

During the inquest held today (29 June) at Birmingham Coroners Court, a statement was read out from the family , who described Mustafa as "a child who always had a smile on his face" and that he was "treasured by all those who had a chance to meet him".

His family say they "feel empty" now that he is gone.

Mustafa’s uncle Anis Ali told the court that face verification at the point of unlocking an e-scooter “could save lives.”

Jack Samler, regional general manager for Voi Technology UK Limited, said it would be “impractical to do it from a cost perspective.”

Mr Samler said Mustafa’s tragedy had been the first ever Voi e-scooter death out of 100 million rides.

He added: “This doesn’t take away from the tragedy of it, but does provide context.”

Birmingham and Solihull coroner James Bennett said he will be issuing a prevention of future deaths report about e-scooters following the tragedy.

It won't be issued to Voi though as he said the operator “did not cut any corners” in their approach to age verification.

Mr Bennett said Voi’s approach during the trial scheme in Birmingham was “entirely appropriate.”

The report will be sent to Mark Harper, the Secretary of State for Transport and Andy Street, the West Midlands Mayor. They will have 56-days to respond.

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