Teenage electric scooter rider in critical condition after being 'struck by car' in London

Police hunt for driver of Vauxhall Zafira as teenager fights for life a fortnight after crash

Police are appealing for help tracing the driver of a Vauxhall Zafira (Metropolitan Police)

A teenager is fighting for his life in hospital after colliding with a car while riding an electric scooter.

Police are appealing to track down the driver of the vehicle that struck the 19-year-old rider in Herne Hill, London.

The collision happened at around 4.30am on 31 December, at the junction of Croxted Road at the junction with Norwood Road.

“The rider of the scooter, a 19-year-old man, was taken to a south London hospital where he remains in a critical condition,” a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said.

“There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”

Detective Constable Croucher, of the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, appealed for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

“The dark coloured Vauxhall Zafira that struck the pedestrian on the scooter was equipped with a roof box and will have suffered damage on the front passenger side as a result of the collision,” he added.

“Did you see the vehicle before, during or after the collision? Are you the driver of the vehicle? Do you know who the driver is? If you can help please do the right thing and get in touch.”

It came after a television presenter was killed while riding an electric scooter in London in July, in the first fatal accident involving riders in the UK.

Emily Hartridge, 35, collided with a lorry at a roundabout in Battersea

Several other serious accidents have been reported, including one that seriously injured a 14-year-old boy the day after Ms Hartridge’s death.

Other deaths and major accidents have been reported in cities around the world, prompting calls for bans as riders protest for legal rights and improved safety.

Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, despite the fact it is illegal to use them on public roads, pavements or in cycle lanes.

“Any person who uses a powered transporter on a public road or other prohibited space in breach of the law is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted,” says government legal guidance, although no prosecutions are known to have been made.

The government has launched a review of the laws around e-scooters and other “powered transporters” that will look at regulation and safety issues.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0208 285 1574 or 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.