Christchurch man still suffers eight years after e-scooter collision
Thursday 10 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Healthcare worker Mark Smith continues to experience daily pain and lost income following an e-scooter accident in 2018. He was walking on the Christchurch City Promenade when he was hit from behind by a group of teenagers. The incident has significantly impacted his ability to work.
Key facts
4 facts
- Mark Smith was hit by an e-scooter on the City Promenade in 2018
- Smith underwent minor shoulder surgery and received steroid injections following the crash
- ACC paid almost $16 million for scooter-related injuries in 2025
- ACC paid over $1.2 million for scooter injuries in January 2026
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Mark Smith, a healthcare worker from Christchurch, continues to experience daily pain eight years after being hit by an e-scooter. The incident occurred in 2018 while he was walking on the City Promenade. Smith stated he was "hit from behind by a group of teens being boisterous".
The collision resulted in Smith requiring minor shoulder surgery and several steroid injections. He reported that rotating his dominant arm causes him "agony". Due to these injuries, he has transitioned from frontline patient care to management and clerical work, working in a clinical setting only one day per week.
Smith is calling for stricter e-scooter regulations, including mandatory helmets, age limits, and speed restrictions. He suggested New Zealand adopt rules similar to Queensland, which requires riders to be at least 16 years old and hold a learner's licence to ride solo.
ACC data indicates that claims for e-scooter injuries are increasing, particularly among children and young people. ACC paid nearly $16 million for scooter-related injuries in 2025, representing a 10 percent increase from the previous year. In January 2026, payouts exceeded $1.2 million.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and The Press.